Tender coconut and young coconut are terms that are often used interchangeably to refer to the same thing: a coconut that is still in its early stage of growth. These coconuts are known for their high water content and soft, jelly-like meat.
When a coconut is young, it has a thin, green husk and is typically harvested when it is around 5-7 months old. At this stage, the water inside the coconut is usually more abundant, refreshing, and slightly sweet in taste. The meat is soft and can be easily scooped out with a spoon. It is often enjoyed as a snack or used in various culinary preparations.
In some regions, the terms "tender coconut" and "young coconut" may be used to distinguish coconuts of different ages or sizes, but generally, they refer to the same type of coconut.