Coconut Cravings

Coconut Q&A

CRACK INTO THE COCONUT CASE

WHAT IS COCONUT? The fruit of the coconut tree, coconut fruit is a drupe, not a nut. So, think of it as more like a peach rather than a pecan. The milk and flesh yield a variety of products, including coconut milk, coconut cream, cream of coconut, coconut flakes, and more.

WHAT IS COCONUT MILK? Coconut milk is the white liquid pressed from the mature coconut flesh. The full-fat coconut milk we refer to in our recipes is not like the refrigerated cartons of coconut milk you can buy as a dairy alternative. These “coconut milks” often have water and sugar added to them. Instead, buy canned full-fat unsweetened coconut milk. In cold temperatures, coconut milk will naturally separate in the can, with a thick layer of cream settling at the top and the watery portion settling to the bottom. If your coconut milk separates, whisk it back together, or gently heat in a saucepan, whisking until homogenous, and then let cool.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CREAM OF Coconut cream is the aforementioned cream that often congeals at the top of your coconut milk when it separates. You can buy canned versions of coconut cream, which is basically a thicker, reduced version of coconut milk (more fat and less water). Cream of coconut is a sweetened version of coconut cream, often used in cocktails and desserts. Two of our recipes call for cream of coconut, not coconut cream, so be sure you’re grabbing the sweetened version.