You might not have considered this before, but there are a lot of different ways to enjoy coconut. Why? This fruit… nut… is probably the most charismatic product that nature has given us. Holding a combination of flavours and nutrient density you can toast it, bread it, whip it or bake it! This versatile ingredient can take on any dish in the kitchen, whether sweet, spicy or savoury.

Firstly, let’s address why coconut is becoming rapidly popular in cooking.

• Coconut is rich in healthy fats that are great for digestion, immunity and heart health
• Coconut is high in minerals, protein and fibre, which makes them great for lowering blood sugar
• Coconut is satisfying and satiating, and is know to encourage weight loss
• (Organically-grown) Coconut is allergen-friendly and nut-free (coconut is actually a fruit, not a nut, so it’s safe for people with tree nut allergies, as long as there is no cross-contamination with nuts)

So if you’re not too sure how coconut can fit into your meal plan – here are all the coconut-esque products you can probably get your hands on: coconut oil, coconut milk, coconut meat, coconut water, shredded coconut, coconut flakes, coconut butter, coconut flour and a whole heap more!

Coconut oil

This is one of the healthiest fats to use for a number of reasons: its flavour, its high smoke point for high-heat cooking and the way it can replicate butter in a wide variety of vegan and dairy-free recipes.

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk’s thick, creamy texture and sweet flavour makes it a perfect substitute for any dairy-based milk. It’s incredible in curries, soups, hot chocolate, baked goods, homemade ice cream, smoothies, pies and tarts, coconut rice and the increasingly popular coconut whipped cream.

Coconut Butter 

Use coconut butter as a spread or a fat substitute when frying food items. It’s wholesome, rich and has its own natural flavour that is considered far better for your health than traditional butter.

Coconut Meat/ Flesh

Fresh coconut flesh can be used in a variety of ways: toss it into a smoothie or curry, blend it into coconut milk or ferment your own coconut yogurt, slice it and dry it into “coconut chips,” or consume it fresh as a snack.

Coconut Water

Coconut water has a naturally sweet taste, so you can essentially use it in any context where you’d use normal water. To retain the health benefits, smoothies, juices and raw desserts are the best way to utilise coconut water – besides drinking it as it is, you can also use it in baking, soups or stews.

Shredded Coconut

Toss shredded coconut into a variety of baked goods (cookies, muffins, breads, cakes, granola bars, granola, coconut macaroons), A simple way to use coconut flakes is as a sprinkle or snack. Toasted coconut flakes are delicious on their own as an on-the-go snacking option, but you can also sprinkle them liberally over your cereal, muesli or porridge to add a little something extra.

You can also use large, wide-flaked shredded coconut to make coconut chips.

Coconut Chips

Apart from being insanely delicious, coconut chips are an addictive snack that helps boost energy levels and increase metabolism in the body. Keep in mind, because they are so high in fat (be it the good kind), they are also high in calories. You can also use them as an addition to desserts and platters.

Coconut Flour

Coconut flour is ideal to use when baking as it is gluten free and all-natural. Its high fibre content means you’ll have to use more liquid, as the coconut flour soaks up more liquid than usual flour – For every tablespoon of coconut flour you add, add an extra tablespoon of liquid.

What’s your favourite coconut product?

Check out our list of available products at www.unicomtea.com 

For a complete guide on using coconut in your cooking visit https://www.foodbloggersofcanada.com/your-complete-guide-to-using-coconut-in-your-cooking/