Coconut milk

Coconut milk is the liquid derived from the grated substance of the meat of the coconut. It is very popular in Caribbean and Asian cuisine. Coconut milk should not be mixed up with coconut water, which is the thin liquid that can be drained from the centre of a coconut.

An Introduction to Coconut milk

Coconut milk is made by first grating the white flesh of the coconut. The grated coconut flesh is then mixed with hot water to dissolve the fat in the meat. This is then squeezed through a cheesecloth. Thin coconut milk is made by combining the squeezed coconut solids with more water, and once again squeezed through a cheesecloth.

Coconut milk features in a variety of dishes, and though in Canada fresh coconut milk can be hard to come by, it is readily available in tins. Often coconut milk separates when in a tin, with the coconut cream floating to the top. Though some mistake this for the coconut milk being spoiled, it is actually a good indicator that the coconut milk has not been treated with emulsifiers or stabilisers. Shaking or stirring the milk will restore its creamy consistency.

Nutritional information

Coconut milk is rich in many essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, manganese, calcium and magnesium. Many people are wary of coconut milk as it is high in saturated fat. However, it is lower in saturated fat than many processed foods; additionally, the type of saturated fat in coconut milk is easily metabolised in the body, and is less likely to be stored in the body. There is no cholesterol in coconut milk.

100g serving of coconut milk:
230 kcal, 2.3g protein, 23.8g fat, 5.5g carbohydrate, 2.2g fibre

Health benefits

Coconut milk is naturally rich in a component called lauric acid. This component is an effective barrier against many viruses and infections, as it has anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. It has been found to help balance cholesterol in the bloodstream, by raising levels of good cholesterol and lowering levels of bad cholesterol.

In addition to the lauric acid present in coconut milk, high levels of vitamins C and E also help to boost the immune system. The rich B vitamin content improves cellular energy, and improves the production of red blood cells to help transport oxygen around the body.

The iron content in coconut milk works with these B vitamins to prevent or reduce symptoms of anaemia. Iron deficiency is one of the most common mineral deficiencies, and it prevents the red blood cells from maintaining adequate levels of oxygen in the blood.

Magnesium is vital for the healthy functioning of muscles and nerves, and coconut milk is rich in this mineral. Without magnesium in the diet, nerve cells can become hyperactive, resulting in cramps and over contraction of muscles. The correct balance of magnesium and calcium helps to counter these effects.

Coconut recipes

Coconut Truffles with Bambu^®
Vegan Squash and Coconut Curry
Healthy Banana Brownies with Bambu^®
Vegetarian Thai Green Curry
Raspberry and Blueberry Smoothie with Coconut Milk