Coconut Milk, Coconut Cream… What?
Coconut milk and coconut cream are made through the process of simmering the coconut flesh and straining the coconut solids until only the liquid remains. After the straining process, the liquid is left to separate into two layers.
Coconut Cream
The layer floating at the top is scraped out to produce coconut cream. It has a thick, creamy consistency that adds tender and richness to food or beverages. This is because it has a higher fat content and a lower water content. Coconut cream can also be whipped into vegan whipped cream. Plus, it is a great substitute for heavy cream.
Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is much lighter than coconut cream. It has more water content and less fat content. It can act as a coffee creamer or dairy substitute. The lower layer of the remaining liquid is used to produce canned coconut milk. Canned coconut milk is what you would use as an ingredient in our Asian dishes such as curries, soups or stew. Another variance is refrigerated carton coconut milk, which is produced through a second straining process of the coconut milk. This produces a very light consistency that can be consumed right out of the carton just like you would with fresh dairy milk.
Instead of stocking up on 2 different cans of coconut milks/creams, make sure your kitchen has a pack of Medella Organic Coconut Cream Powder and you’re good to go. With just one packet, you are able to adjust it to any of the coconut products mentioned above in, completely customisable for your cooking needs.
References:
Goldman, H 2017, What’s the Difference Between Coconut Milk and Coconut Cream?, Real Simple, <https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/shopping-storing/food/coconut-milk-vs-cream>.
Moncel, B 2019, Coconut Cream, Milk, and Water, The Spruce Eats, <https://www.thespruceeats.com/coconut-cream-milk-and-water-1328438>.
Mooney, D 2017, The Difference Between Coconut Milk and Coconut Cream, Tasting Table, < https://www.tastingtable.com/cook/national/difference-between-coconut-milk-cream>.
Texas Specialty Beverage 2020, Is There A Difference Between Coconut Cream and Coconut Milk?, <https://www.texasspecialtybeverage.com/blog/coconut-cream-vs-coconut-milk/>.
