Making Fresh Coconut Milk
The difference between store-bought milk and the fresh kind is the oil content and the clean, floral scent of the coconut meat. You will need a mature brown coconut, which has firm, thick white flesh.
Choosing the right nut
Shake the coconut before buying; you should hear a generous amount of liquid sloshing inside. If it sounds dry, the meat inside will be rubbery and rancid.
- Heavy cleaver or hammer
- Box grater or food processor
- Cheesecloth or nut milk bag
- Large mixing bowl
What goes in.
- 1 wholemature brown coconut
- 2 cupswater, heated to 160°F
Wringing the fibers
The strength of your squeeze dictates the creaminess of the milk. Use the full weight of your hands to twist the cloth and force every drop of fat out of the shredded pulp.
The method.
Open the coconut
Pierce the softest 'eye' of the coconut with a screwdriver to drain the water. Tap the center of the shell firmly with a hammer while rotating it until it cracks open.
Remove the meat
Pry the white meat away from the shell using a butter knife. Use a vegetable peeler to shave off the brown, woody skin attached to the back of the meat.
Process and hydrate
Grate the meat into fine shreds. Place it in a bowl and pour the warm water over it; let it sit for ten minutes so the fat releases.
Strain
Transfer the mixture to a cheesecloth over a bowl. Squeeze firmly until only dry, chalky pulp remains in the cloth.
Other turns to take.
Coconut Cream
Use half the amount of water to yield a thick, high-fat liquid that coats the back of a spoon.
When it doesn't go to plan.
Chill the coconut milk in the fridge for a few hours if you want the cream to separate and harden at the top.
Do not discard the leftover coconut pulp; spread it on a tray and dry it in a low oven to make toasted coconut flakes.
Use water that is hot but not boiling, as boiling water can cook the fats and change the texture.
The ones that keep coming up.
How long does this stay fresh?
It will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
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