How do you make coconut milk?

Coconut milk is the white cloudy liquid extracted from the coconut meat. Many people around the world confuse coconut milk with coconut water drained out of a brown coconut, this is in fact mature coconut water.

Coconut milk is known for its high levels of saturated fat, the main saturated fat found is lauric acid which is also found in mother’s milk. Lauric acid has been known to have a positive effect on the circulatory system its also known to help to support bone and brain development. Coconut milk contains vitamins, minerals and electrolytes for example calcium, chloride, potassium, etc.

In many tropical countries where coconuts grow like Brazil, India, Malaysia, Thailand etc, coconut milk is used in many different ways including drinking it raw and used in cooking for example curries, sea food, stews and even desserts. Vegetarians and vegans often use coconut milk instead of dairy products (Cow’s Milk) in ice cream and yogurt, etc. During spring and summer, sweetened coconut milk is served on its own as a drink in Taiwan and southern China. This is made by adding sugar and milk when extracting the coconut milk from the meat. Traditionally coconut milk is used in cooking but it has many other uses such as in skin and hair products. It can be used in bath soaps, hair care products and moisturising creams which help to soothe dry skin.

If you would like to make coconut milk at home. Follow the instructions below.

If you have access to fresh coconut:

Choose a fresh coconut by shaking and choosing one with lots of water sloshing around. Open it without any major accidents, be very careful since its a risky affair if you are not experienced. Grate the flesh. Blend in a blender with a little water. Squeeze through a cheese cloth. A thick almost creamy milk will be obtained on the first squeeze, this step could be repeated up to 3 times to assure all the coconut milk has been collected. After this process if the coconut milk is left to settle the milk would gather at the bottom and a thick creamy layer would form on top, which is called coconut cream.

If you want to make milk from desiccated coconut:

Purchase a good quality desiccated/dry grated coconut. Ensure that it smells sweet and has not off aromas. Soak in hot water (just enough to cover the grated coconut not too much), wait for it cool. Blend in a blender. Squeeze through a cheese cloth. A thick almost creamy milk will be obtained on the first squeeze, this step could be repeated up to 3 times to assure all the coconut milk has been collected. After this process if the coconut milk is left to settle the milk would gather at the bottom and a thick creamy layer would form on top, which is called coconut cream.

What is coconut meat/flesh?

The endosperm or coconut meat, also known as "flesh" found inside the coconut is the edible part of the fruit. The coconut meat found in green coconuts is thinner and more gelatinous (Also known as “coconut jelly”) than the meat found in a mature coconut. When the coconut matures the outer husk turns brown, at this stage there would be less water and the endosperm becomes thicker and harder.

Coconut meat is known for its high amount of saturated fat, but in fact coconut meat contains less fat than many oilseeds (Oils extracted from plants cultivated for their seeds) such as almonds. The proportion of saturated fats in coconut meat is higher than in butter, around 90% of the fat in coconut meat is saturated. Although in the past saturated fats were seen as bad fats, of late there  has been limited tests and research to conclude that the fats in coconut are a type of saturated fats called MCT (Medium Chain Triglycerides) which are beneficial for your body. MCT's are processes in different way to animal based saturated fats.

Although coconut meat contains less sugar and more protein than many other fruits for example oranges bananas and apples, it is also very high in minerals (Zinc and Iron). Coconut meat can be used in many different ways, it can be eaten fresh as a fruit, used in cooking for desserts, curries etc.

From the mature coconut meat, coconut milk, oil and desiccated coconut can be produced.

What is coconut water and what are the benefits of coconut water?

Coconut water or coconut juice is the clear liquid that’s found inside the green coconuts The green coconuts are harvested when they are about about 7 months. When the coconut water reaches the inside of the coconut, the water is clearer than the purest water from any spring - it's 100% naturally sterile. This is because the trunk of the coconut palm, the shell and husk all serve as natural filters for the ground water.

During World War II injured soldiers in the Pacific were without blood plasma for transfusions. Since coconut water is sterile and in perfect ph and electrolyte balance with human blood and it served as an ideal substitute.

Due to the presence of natural potassium and sodium electrolyte salts coconut water is used as a natural sports drink.

As the coconut matures the water inside slowly reduces, the meat in a green coconut is softer and more gelatinous (Known as coconut jelly) than the mature coconut. The thickness of the endosperm (White flesh) increases considerably.

Where do coconut palms grow & why?

The coconut palm tree requires a favourable habitat to grow and bear fruit. It prefers areas with sandy soil, regular rainfall (At least 150cm per year) and lots of sunshine. Coconut trees do not require any shade.

Coconuts require temperatures above 24°C but they are impartial to cold weather. A Coconut is rarely seen in low humidity areas because it needs high humidity to grow. 

So even if the temperature is above 24°C without high humidity the tree will not thrive. The palm tree can withstand winter temperatures of 4-12°C , and long periods of frost are usually fatal. 

This is the reason why coconut trees are found in over 80 different countries around the world mainly to the south of the equator. 

How did the coconut get its name?

The Coconut is believed to have gotten its name in the 16^th Century, in Portuguese ‘Coco’ means ‘Monkey face’. This is because the three holes found at the base of the coconut have a resemblance to monkey’s facial features.

The modern coconut as we know, known to have existed during the Eocene Period (37 to 57 millions years ago) which was found in India and Australia. However, the origin of the coconut plant is the subject of debate since some scientific research suggests an Indo-Pacific origin (Pacific Ocean or Indian Ocean). While others see the origin in north western South America since the ‘Nipa’ fruit which is one example of an older palm fossil that has been found in the Americas.

Why is the coconut tree known as the tree of life?

The coconut tree or palm is also known as 'The Tree of Life'. In fact the Sanskrit name for the coconut palm is 'Kalpa Vriksha', meaning "tree which gives all that is necessary for living.”

In the tropics every part of the coconut tree is used in day to day life. There are many different uses for the coconut palm. The trunks of the tree are often used to make small boats, canoes or furniture. Coconut palm trunks are also being used to build small bridges or used to build the walls of small houses since the trunk is naturally strong and straight.

The coconut palm leaves provide material for baskets and roof thatches, they can also be stripped and tied together to make a broom. The ribs of the leaves are also sharpened to make spears and arrows.

The bud of an adult coconut palm can be eaten, they are also known as ‘heart of palm’. Heart of palm is often eaten in salads, this is often known as the ‘millionaire’s salad’ this is because the heart of palm is very rare.

The root of the coconut palm tree has its own uses it can be used as a dye, a mouthwash and a medicine for diarrhoea.

A coconut palm takes between 6 to 10 years to mature and bear fruit.