Alberta Co-op Grocery

Coconut Milk

Posted September 1st, 2010

Opinion by Geanna Marek, Working Owner

Ahhh…the revered coconut.  As I mentioned in last week’s post, there are certain foods that are allowed at least a month or two at the “top” of the popular food chain; these foods gain sudden fame for their “newfound” nutrients and health benefits.  Among the more recent of these pop culture foods is the coconut.  It can be found in many forms at most grocery stores, and each form offers its own special characteristics and healing powers.  Not only is it available as a flour and oil, it can also be found as coconut water and a non-dairy milk.

However, the humble coconut really does live up to all its glory. It is highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.  Coconut oil, particularly, is considered one of the healthiest oils on earth, and is often found in traditional medicine in Asian and Pacific cultures.

Of course, the rest of the world already knew the wonders of coconut long before America got to it.  Growing naturally in humid tropical climates, the coconut has been used for generations for food production and medicinal purposes.  On many islands, coconut is a staple in the diet.  Basically every part of the coconut palm can be used in some way.  The flowers are used in marriage ceremonies in South India; the husk can be used to make rope; the shell can be made into bowls; the nut is used to make margarine; and the meat  is edible and may be served dried or fresh in dishes.  Coconut water is the clear liquid inside young coconuts, while coconut milk is made by processing grated coconut with hot water.

If only to even the playing field a bit, then it must be noted that the only problem with coconut is its very strong and distinctive flavor.  For instance, when using coconut oil to fry something, the fried food will end up tasting more like fried coconut.  Of course, that is fine for the coconut-loving fiend, but for those that appreciate a more subtle taste, it’s best to mix the coconut with another like substance for a complex, yet milder flavor.

So Delicious Coconut Milk Beverage is a new, non-dairy milk option being offered for those that prefer to stay away from traditional cows’ milk. It is currently on sale at ACG for $3.49 for a 64 oz. (1/2 gallon) carton.  It is available in three varieties: Unsweetened, Vanilla, and Original.

Tags: coconut
Posted in Food and Drink