Time to Discover Coconut Milk

This delicious ingredient is often mis-understood and under utilized. Come on a culinary journey and discover Coconut Milk.

I was taught as a young child that the clear liquid inside the coconut is the milk. However, I and many others were told wrong. This clear liquid is in fact coconut juice or coconut water.

Coconut milk, is actually the liquid extracted from the grated flesh of a mature coconut.

Unlike other nuts coconuts are actually fairly delicate and do not have a long shelf life. This is especially so after the outer husk is removed. Because the outer husks are thick and difficult for consumers to remove, they are generally discarded before you see the coconut in the store.

When purchasing a coconut in the store, choose one that is heavy. You don’t want one that is cracked or punctured. Give it a shake to be sure you are getting one that is still full of coconut juice. Also check that the eyes are not moldy.

Inside the shell, the thick flesh should be a pure white color. If the flesh is a yellowish color it is probably too far gone.

If you squeeze freshly grated coconut through a piece of muslin, you will discover the real coconut milk.

Today, you don’t need to squeeze your own, as good quality coconut milk is now available in the cans and cartons. You can also get coconut cream, which is thicker than the milk.

Your can of coconut milk, once opened must be refrigerated. It will generally keep for a couple of days. But if it is left at room temperature it will quickly sour and spoil. Alternatively it can be frozen for future use.

At extreme high temperature it may curdle, so avoid boiling it rapidly. Make sure you stir it to a simmering point.

Coconut is very high in fat, however you can now buy reduced fat varieties. Coconut oil contains monolaurins which have been found to be very powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal agents.

Coconut milk is a staple ingredient of South-East Asian cooking. In most western countries coconut milk is used in curries for flavor, in hot sauces to regulate the heat and in desserts for added richness. You will also find coconut milk can be used as a substitute in many dishes – sauces; stocks; emulsions such as mayonnaise; hollandaise sauces.

Coconut milk is also fantastic in biscuits and cakes, ice-creams and confectionery.

Next time you have a recipe that calls for coconut milk, click here to discover one of the most delicious brands that you can use with confidence.

Happy Cooking
Lisa “The Crock Cook”

Published At: Isnare.com Free Articles Directory - http://www.isnare.com/
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=127223&ca=Food+and+Drinks

Coconut Oil Benefits Explained

2010 is a good year to be talking about coconut oil benefits as prices continue to climb. The Philippines, which is the world's largest exporter of coconut oil says prices have already shot up and more price rises are inevitable. By August 2010 the price in the world market had gone up by 44 percent when compared to first quarter prices. Ouch!

I think the best advice is to get in early and get your products before the prices jump even further.

In case you are fence sitting, remember that coconut oil benefits include:

• It is healthy and good for you
• It can improve heart health
• It is low in calories
• It converts fat into energy
• It speeds up metabolism
• It smells great
• It tastes great
• It is organic - minimal processing
• It can make you look younger
• It can make your skin smooth and soft
• It moisturises your skin
• It can last for years
• It is great for your hair as well as skin as it strengthens your hair giving it shine and body
• It is fantastic as a massage oil
• It can give you more energy

To get the maximum out of these benefits, you need to be using the organic virgin version. Even if it is a little more expensive, you will reap the extra rewards from using that product.

The jury is back in with its verdict well and truly. You should replace any oils in your kitchen with coconut oil as it's much better for you and lasts a lot longer than those other inferior oils. Then, take a look at all the other uses for it - hair, heart, skin etc. The list goes on and on and explains why more and more people worldwide are picking up on coconut oil benefits and doing something about it.

To see one of the most popular brands of organic extra virgin coconut oil then click here.

Graham Kelly has more information about coconut oil benefits at his website including videos and other articles you may be interested in. Coconut Oil Benefits

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Graham_J_Kelly