Coconut milk is made by finely grating and soaking coconut meat in hot water, then squeezing it through cheesecloth. It is used as a cooking base in many recipes, especially in Thai cuisine, and has various health benefits. Canned and bottled coconut milk varies in quality.
Coconut milk is derived from the pulp of the coconut. It is not the liquid that can be discharged from a coconut that has been punctured, although many people believe that. Getting coconut milk from a coconut takes some processing, but the ingredient is also available in cans or bottles. This product is used as a cooking base in many recipes, especially in Thai cuisine and other countries in South and Southeast Asia, but also in West Africa, Hawaii and the West Indies.
When a coconut is cut open, the flesh can be found all along its inside walls. A mature coconut, ideal for making into coconut milk, should have thick, creamy white flesh. If the pulp appears yellow, it is most likely rancid. A coconut with relatively lean, dry flesh can still be used to make milk, but the milk may not be creamy enough for some recipes, especially curries.
To make coconut milk, the coconut meat must be finely grated and soaked in hot water. Next, the soaked pieces are squeezed through cheesecloth and the liquid collected is coconut milk. This process can be repeated once or twice to produce lighter milk, as different textures are needed for different recipes. When the first pressing is allowed to sit for a while, the cream rises to the top. This ingredient is commonly used in desserts or rich sauces.
Canned and bottled coconut milk varies widely in quality, and most cooks have their own preferences. However, in general, a quality product will have a thicker layer of cream on top and thinner milk on the bottom. The can can be shaken to make a more uniform latte if desired, or the creamer can be removed and used for something else. Coconut milk should be refrigerated if not used immediately, as it will spoil otherwise.
While this drink is high in saturated fat, it is much healthier than other saturated fat products and the fat is easily metabolized by the body. Coconut milk also offers some particular health benefits. It is anti-carcinogenic, anti-microbial, anti-bacterial and anti-viral. The main saturated fat it contains, lauric acid, is also found in breast milk and has been shown to promote brain development and bone health.
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