4/5/13

Harmless Harvest 100% Raw Coconut Water Giveaway

Today I'm thrilled to have a giveaway with Harmless Harvest Coconut Water.
One of my favorite ways to naturally hydrate is with Harmless Harvest 100% Coconut Water.
It is what coconut water should taste like; not watered down, not filled with crap or loaded up with extra sugar and in most cases extra water!
This is all natural, in it's purest raw form, and 100% safe and 100% sustainable!
8:16oz

I am one of those people that is just so tired of all those energy-sugar-laden sports drinks or ‘heavily’ watered down “so-called” coconut water drinks.  These drinks do nothing for me on a hot summer day, on a medium-heavy workout at the gym; that if anything they make me feel unhealthier, drained, or worse ready for a nap after a workout.  I do seek out those coconut water drinks, but am always so disappointed by how much water they contain, and not enough electrolytes, minerals, etc.
You can imagine my surprise when I found Harmless Harvest pure 100% coconut water.  I’ll admit I was a little setback by how small the bottle was thinking another company selling a watered-down product in a small bottle. 
But in all honesty, after one drink I noticed a huge difference.  I am one of those people that tends to get low blood sugar and dehydration during the summer and have to keep an eye on my potassium levels.
Watching those survivor shows on TV I would learn just how good for you pure coconut water is, but never truly understanding the mineral/electrolyte compound that helps to make you feel (truly feel hydrated).  Harmless Harvest coconut water has all five electrolytes naturally: sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and calcium.
What energy drink, sport drink, etc… out there has all of these in a naturally occurring environment?  Exactly.  None.
After your next intense workout out, gardening day, hot summer day—or any day where you sweat a lot, and not to forget those days when you are dehydrated, try a bottle or two of Harmless Harvest and see just how better you feel.
And lastly, I can guarantee you that if you’ve never had pure coconut water you will be shocked at just how good it is.  There are a lot of “so called” coconut waters out there that have fillers, flavorings, and added sugar to them so that you can never really taste just how good coconut water is. 
So what does it really taste like then?
Pure coconut water has a nice nutty undertone (in foodie terms: an all natural almond joy taste) with gently sweet water like taste.
My favorite part of drinking harmless harvest coconut water is there is NO after taste and no crash and burn either.  If anything, this coconut water is exactly what your body needs—daily, workout or not. 
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The owners of Harmless Harvest: Justin Guilbert & Douglas Riboud were kind enough to take some time and answer a few questions for me. 
There is also a giveaway at the end of the interview! Read through to find out!

Thank you Justin and Doug for doing this and taking time out to help educate us a little better about your company.  Tell me a little bio about your company first.

We founded Harmless Harvest in 2010 to develop beverages that provide the raw nutritional integrity of sustainably harvested ingredients. By combining innovative scientific techniques with local traditional knowledge, we launched the world’s first raw and organic coconut water ethically sourced from small agroforestry systems. Without spending any money on marketing and relying on word-of-mouth, popularity skyrocketed and it’s now available in retail locations nationwide.

Was this your first business venture?

We had zero experience in the beverage industry before starting Harmless Harvest, both coming from traditional corporate careers. Perhaps a little naively, we believed products should taste like the original, maintaining the aroma, flavor and nutritional integrity, and focus on social & environmental progress. So we decided to make them.

And what made you want to do this? A raw, organic, all natural coconut water drink?

By rejecting the disconnect between brand promise and reality, we wanted to make a product that created the brand. Instead of people purchasing the name on the bottle, we want people to choose our coconut water because of the quality inside. Harmless Harvest exists due to the reputation of 100% Raw Coconut Water, not the other way around. It was important to prove that quality can trump marketing, and people want a great product as much as we do.

Your labeling is perfect.  
You really zoned in on the key words of the importance of pure raw coconut water: never heated, 100% harmless, raw. 
Was this your intention to do it this way as a means of educating the public?
I ask this because so many other new drink products are geared towards “energy this” or “energy that”. 

By Harmless Harvest, we’re saying that choices have an impact, but it can be a positive impact. You don’t need to be harmful to the source when you produce something.
The name of our product is also the only ingredient: 100%Raw Coconut Water. That’s it. We wanted it to taste like a freshly cracked coconut and, not surprisingly, achieve that by adding absolutely nothing and not heating it. We wanted people to understand that just from the label, no gimmicks.

Tell us a little bit about how you get this raw coconut water from Thailand to the USA?  Is it kept cold, how is it transported safely and in a safe manner?

After being cracked on location, our coconut water is maintained in a deep frozen state until high pressure processing. Trust us, it sounds a lot easier than it is!
Gathering Cocos
How hard was it to start this business given that your coconut water comes from Thailand?  
Is that right only Thailand or are you sourcing from other areas?

We spent years searching across the world for coconuts of the highest quality, grown in traditional rural communities. There were many false starts and mistakes before we found the right opportunity in Thailand. Now we have strong ties to the communities we work with there and are hoping to expand to new agroforestry locations that grow our specific variety of coconuts.
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In the beginning venture towards bringing this coconut water to completion was there anything that threw you off, put the plans off to the side temporarily.  I know problems happen with any new business venture, but did they have any major setbacks that they plowed through? 

Obtaining the level of quality that we wanted forced us to create the entire system from scratch. We were utilizing technology that had never been used with coconut water. This was in addition to setting up a system for harvesting, bottling and transporting perishable goods where no system existed. Finally, everyone was already familiar with coconut water lining their pantry shelves, so educating retailers and consumers on the perishability of a raw product and the variation that nature gives us (as seen in our pink bottles) was imperative. Innovation requires effort, not just ideas. There was, and still is, a lot of hard work involved in getting those coconuts from the tree to your fridge.
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I see that sustainability is a very important part of your company’s mission. 
Can you tell us why this is important to you? 

Sustainability is not just important, it is essential to Harmless Harvest. 
Why do we assume that production needs to be destructive? 
Why can’t it be neutral or even positive? The question should be really asked of other company’s: how they can stay in business without sustainability?
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And with this sustainability any farming, plants/trees can die, be injured, or damaged. 
What process do your farms use to sustain their crops over time?  In other words, how do they plan for future crops—do they let land lie fallow, plant new trees each year, etc…?

We work with centuries-old operations in Thailand. These are agroforestry systems that have other crops such as mangos, bananas, mangosteen, mingled with the coconut palms. The farmers work with what they have and implement traditional techniques. It’s a long-established natural method of growing and harvesting.

There is a video on your website that explains quite simply how your coconut water is minimally processed.  
It’s called the HPP process, or high pressure processing using high pressure instead of heat to stop potentially harmful bacteria getting into the coconut water.
You say this is the safest but most expensive process.  Why is it so costly?

HPP extends the refrigerated shelf life of our coconut water while maintaining the delicate organoleptic compounds found in a freshly cracked coconut. It requires specialized machinery, facilities and the staff to perform the process, but also a dedicated management.
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I drink this coconut water a lot, I’ve come across a couple of bottles that are pink coconut water?  

We don’t mix or homogenize our coconut water so, just like in whole coconuts, there can be variation among bottles. One of these variations is the level of antioxidants. While all of our coconut water is perfectly clear when it’s bottled, those that contain the highest levels of antioxidants can spontaneously turn pink with time. Additives could hide the harmless color variation, but we love that the delicious pink bottles show that we add nothing to our coconut water. We were afraid people would run from the pink bottles, but by telling them the truth, we now know many people who seek them out.
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Can coconut water go bad?

Like all freshly squeezed juices, coconut water will naturally go bad shortly after the coconut is opened. With the use of HPP, Harmless Harvest coconut water achieves a longer refrigerated shelf life. It is similar to milk in that there is a risk of spoilage if it is not kept refrigerated or drunk before the best by date.

Once you extract the fluids from the coconut, what do you do with the remaining husk and meat?

Currently, most is resold locally. We are also working on several options, ranging from new products to energy sources for our facilities in Thailand.

Do you have any recipes using your coconut water? 
I know I use mine in smoothies in lieu of milk or water, for that extra boost of nutrition.

We have seen lots of recipes with our coconut water ranging from simple additions of chia seeds, mint or even jalapenos in the bottle to smoothies and sauce for mussels. We still love it straight.

Are there any other Harmless Harvest products that we can look forward to?
Oh I hope we can see coconut bars?  Almond Joy like clones that are all natural and tastier? How about chocolate-coconut cups?  OK, you get the idea here. 
But seriously do you plan on expanding your product line to foods or more drinks?

We are so excited to introduce our next project: 100% Raw Tea
You will be able to find Unsweetened, Honey, andPeppermint varieties in stores as of this summer. We freeze the tea leaves right after picking, pulverize with spring water, filter and use HPP to extend the shelf life and extract maximum flavor of the 100% Raw & Organic ingredients. 
On the coconut front, we have many innovative products coming soon. Stay tuned!


To find out more about Harmless Harvest, please visit their website HarmlessHarvest.com.
Find them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.
To find out where to buy Harmless Harvest please click here: stores. 
Most Whole Food stores do carry Harmless Harvest. 

Thank you so much for this interview; very informative.
For the giveaway, they were kind enough to donate three (3) free coupons for their coconut water + a free t-shirt to two winners.
To enter leave ONE comment telling us if you've tried Harmless Harvest before and what other products you'd like to see made with all natural coconut water and/or coconut.
PLEASE have a valid email address in your signature line.
ALL ANONYMOUS COMMENTS will be deleted; you must have a full name and email in your signature line. 
We'll do the drawing next friday 4/12/2013. Good Luck!

49 comments:

  1. I have not seen this product but will look for it this weekend. It would be great to have an iced coffee made with it.

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    1. Hi Suzy, Coconut water is the very stuff of Nature, biologically Pure, full of Natural Sugars, Salts, and Vitamins to ward off fatigue… and is the next wave of energy drinks BUT natural! More info on coconut water benefit please visit:
      http://kidbuxblog.com/why-is-drinking-coconut-water-good-for-health/

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  2. I've never tried Harmless Harvest before. It appears interesting. It would be great to see it in waffles. YUM!


    Sean

    connsean@yahoo.com

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  3. First time seeing this Harmless Harvest. I think I'd like to see it in oatmeal.

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  4. I STILL haven't tried coconut water! I'm so behind the times! So I'd LOVE to try their product.

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  5. I have never seen or tried this brand, but it sounds great. I'd like to see it in iced tea! I think it would be so refreshing for summer.

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  6. I've tried coconut water before but not from Harmless Harvest. I'd love to try it though!

    I'd love to see coconut extract or coconut tea...

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  7. i have tried it before and it was really good!! can't always afford to pick it up, but i always stare at it lustfully :) would totally dig some sort of dark chocolate coconut treat made from the pressed coconut!

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  8. I bet you could make a nice refreshing summer drink with it!

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  9. I've never tried it but my marathon running sister says that it is amazing. I think coconut water smoothies sound amazing!

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  10. This is my absolute favorite coconut water!

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  11. I haven't tried their coconut water, but I'll keep my eyes peeled! I'd love to see the fresh coconut sold in chunks. I just love it!

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  12. Great giveaway and product info. I love coconut water and all things coconut. I made homemade coconut milk (and water) kefir with coconut water. But haven't tried their brand.

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  13. I haven't tried this brand yet, but I am pretty excited about having it in smoothies!

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  14. I haven't tried Harmless Harvest yet, but am a big fan of coconut anything, so I'm going to seek this water out to give it a try! Thank you for the information/interview, and giveaway!

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  15. I haven't tried their coconut water! but I'd love to test out the honey!

    Corisa
    jubinsky2114@yahoo.com

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  16. i love this coconut water! It's gotten to the point where I refuse to drink any other type if I can't crack the thai coconuts myself. I buy it when i can, but i always long to save up enough money to buy a case! I would love to see it sold in the quart size! It would cut down on packaging :)

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  17. I love the pink ones, it's always a treasure hunt to score the pink ones. And HH coconut water is on sale at whole food market this week. I would love to see any development of the coconut related product, like dry coconut meat

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  18. I have been drinking this coconut water for some time now. I am in love and quite obsessed with it. My 2 1/2 year old daughter is also hooked. The pink bottles are the best! There are a ton of ways I could come up with to use the coconut water in recipes; simply due to my of my love for coconut. I would love to see a coconut rice pudding.

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  19. I love Harmless Harvest Coconut Water and drink it every day! It's the best!

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  20. Never could get past all the additives that are added to all the other organic coconut waters! Was soooo happy when I found Harmless Harvest!!! It is the only pure and organic coconut water.

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  21. I accidentaly ran across info on Harmless Harvest searching for honey. I cant find any selling locally in my small town, so searching to purchase it online and not having any luck there. I hope to find it as I would love to taste it. It has rave reviews every where!!!

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  22. I LOVE anything coconut! My kids and I use coconut oil, coconut palm sugar, coconut milk...we've tried just about every name brand coconut water there is. Let me tell you, my first experience with Harmless Harvest was a huge wake up call!! It tasted exactly like a raw young coconut, had NO added ANYTHING and was (just as the bottle boasts) truly raw! We are die hard Harmless Harvest fans! After reading the interview I like them even more now (Ha-I didnt think that was possible!). I love their philosophy on quality over marketing and sustainability. Kudos to you, Harmless Harvest! Other companies should take a lesson!!

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  23. I love Harmless Harvest Raw Coconut Water and don't want to purchase any other brand of coconut water. I am working diligently to get it into my area. They sell it in the sounding areas, but it takes over an hour drive to get there. My fiance is excited to try their Raw Tea, too.

    Evan Pollock
    evanbp99@gmail.com

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  24. i've never heard of harmless harvest but will be sure to look for them! i'd love to see a coconut water lemonade, i think that would be awesome :)

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  25. I would love to win! This is the best Coconut water I have tried. I am on food stamps and very low income, so usually I just drink regular tap water....Dana Marie
    danamdkny@hotmail.com

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  26. I fell in love with Harmless Harvest about a year ago....I haven't purchased another brand of coconut water since. I am so excited for the new teas and hope to see coconut-based food products in the future (maybe a coconut/banana or coconut/mango meal bar).

    AJ Beist
    nyeshaseventeen@aim.com

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  27. I discovered Harmless Harvest coconut water only a month ago and I'm sold on the flavor. No other brands can compare! I'd love to see larger bottles of the coconut water, a coconut chocolate bar, and coconut milk.

    jill.spiegel@gmail.com

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  28. Harmless Harvest is my favorite coconut water ever! It basically gives me super powers =P. I would lovve to see a raw pomegranate acai berry coconut water from HH!

    - nightshade_16@sbcglobal.net =)

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  29. i had never heard of harmless harvest previously. i would love to see some coconut chocolate bars or coconut cookies.

    fruitcrmble AT comcast DOT net

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  30. The first time I tried this product when I was waiting for the bus in New York and went to a nearby coffee shop that carried this brand. I'm from California but I was on a short vacation to visit my sister for the first time in Philadelphia. I thought it was truly the best coconut water I've ever had; it was like drinking juice from a young coconut. I would love to see this product be used in some sort of dessert, such as pudding or jello. Yum!

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  31. I found some the other day and had it for lunch (one of those kinds of days!) and it completely filled me up for a few hours. How,I don't know, but it did. Lucky me - healthy and filling and like you said, not watery! I would love to see it in some kind of coffee drink; kind of a healthy version of a mocha coconut frappucino!

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  32. I have tried Harmless Harvest's Coconut water and I am obsessed. I absolutely love it. I never had an interest in coconut water until I sampled their coconut water at Whole Foods. To continue this great movement, I would love to see natural coconut water in coffee products, bars, and chocolate!

    -Jennifer

    nguyenjenn89@gmail.com

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  33. LOVE Harmless Harvest. It's the only coconut water I'll drink, other than straight from a coconut. All the others make me feel icky. Not sure about other product ideas since I love it straight up! Thanks for the fun giveaway opportunity!

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  34. I also have never tried coconut water - I have to be cautious about what I take in, and haven't had the money to try something new. I'd LOVE to try it! :) Thank you so much for your generous giveaway, and the informative article.

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  35. I LOVE Harmless Harvest's Coconut water. I am a kindergarten teacher and my kids know that I need my "coco water" in the morning! I would love a coconut dessert, cookie or pudding maybe???
    Great post :)

    -Caitlin
    caitlinpdunleavy@gmail.com

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  36. Love Harmless Harvest! Would love to see it with aloe or pulp inside!

    Nancynguyen21@gmail.com

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  37. i've never tried coconut water! I'd love to try it with smoothies or something :)
    bianca.x3@gmail.com

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  38. I am addicted to Harmless Harvest's coconut water! It is the only coconut water I can drink - all other coconut waters I've tried have made me gag. Usually when I purchase them at Whole Foods the cashier has to ring up one empty bottle (along with a bunch of full ones). :)

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  39. I've never tried coconut water. I'd love to try it out in a shake. Sounds delicious!


    Al - mageborn1975@yahoo.com

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  40. Just started drinking Harmless Harvest and love it! Can you freeze it without losing any of its nutritious qualities/

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  41. I love Harmless Harvest so much I bought a case from Whole Foods! I'd like to see Harmless Harvest do an ice cream type product made with their coconut water!

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  42. I'm pregnant and have a need to stay hydrated naturally in this heat!!
    I tried HH and am a huuuge fan.
    I would love to speak to the owners and hopefully get them to harvest them from my country in South East Asia where they are also wildly grown.
    please get in touch with me so we can help the Timorese farmers too!!!

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  43. Love this product but it is very difficult to find in Wholefoods or Fresh Market here in Miami. We need more stores to sell this. Maybe COSTCO?

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  44. I just tried this at Marias Orgainic Fountain in Vero Beach Fl and I could actually feel the difference and by luck of the draw it was a pink one.

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  45. Fantastic drink! I work at Whole Foods and have tried many of our coconut water drinks. I tried this one today for the first time. I looked for a pink one and WOW!!! you can taste the difference immediately. Thanks for this product - now my #1 favorite!

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  46. I really like the pink one. I have tried many coconut waters and this one beats them all in taste. I have been reluctant to pay $5 for a 16 oz bottle, but after reading up on the company I am willing to donate to their way of sustainable agribiz. I hope they can find a better alternative to Agave in their teas such as stevia and would love to see some more teas (perhaps a mix of edible flowers with jasmine tea concoction )

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  47. Love the taste, reminds me of Jamaica

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  48. I have been using coconut water since 2011. I recommend you to use coconut water. Harmless Harvest exists due to the reputation of 100% raw coconut water

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