Think coconuts belong only on a fruit plate? Not at all! This tropical fruit provides many ingredients that can be incorporated into dishes in a variety of exciting ways. Read on for tips on the many dishes you can create from coconuts.
Coconut oil
When you head down your grocery aisle in search of coconut oil, don’t think you’ll find a yellow liquid as you would with most oils. Coconut oil is actually a more solid-looking white substance. This consistency makes it great for cooking because it can hold its own under high temperatures. Plus, because it comes from a natural source, it provides you with many health benefits, unlike margarine or other hydrogenated oils. And it even adds a delicious nutty flavour to boot!
Coconut milk
Coconut milk is made from pressing the meat of the coconut. It can be blended into smoothies in lieu of milk or juice, baked into desserts or act as the sauce for a variety of cultural dishes. For a delicious treat, try something along the lines of curried shrimp and snap peas. The coconut milk really helps to bring out the flavour and spice of such a dish.
Shredded coconut
A delicious element of the coconut is its meat when shredded and dried. The shredded fruit is great for a variety of dishes. Just be sure to find an unsweetened variety, as coconut is sweet enough on its own without any artificial help. Consider incorporating it into a healthy granola for breakfast and snacking, or sprinkle it over lobster tacos for a unique dinner experience.
Coconut water
Coconut water is the name for the clear-ish liquid that sits in the middle of the coconut. It is a sweet liquid you have likely passed by on the shelves of your local grocery store or coffee shop. Because there are a mere 45 calories in a cup of the stuff and it contains natural sugars, minerals and electrolytes, it has risen in popularity among health-conscious individuals. Very little water is contained inside a single coconut, so your best bet is to track down a brand that is free of added sugars, such as O.N.E. Coconut Water, which is made of 100 per cent coconut water and can be a great way to rehydrate.
Coconut chunks
Chunks of coconut are the easiest for the majority of people to attain when they purchase the fruit at the grocery store. Once the coconut has been opened, cut the meat into chunks, which are convenient and yummy to snack on. Place the chunks in a resealable bag, and store it in the fridge for a couple of days maximum. Once the coconut is opened, the meat doesn’t last very long, so be sure to gather your friends and family, and enjoy the opportunity to gobble up this exotic fruit!
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