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Is coconut milk the liquid in the middle of the nut? And what is the difference between canned coconut milk, creamed coconut milk and coconut milk powder?

The liquid in the middle of a coconut is not coconut milk but coconut water, a delicately flavored liquid that can be drunk straight out of the shell or added to fruit juices. Coconut milk comes from the flesh of the coconut, shredded or otherwise processed to extract a thick, white liquid. It can be used in both savory and sweet dishes.

Coconut milk is sold in cans, in which form it is very easy to use. Coconut milk powder is coconut milk that has been dehydrated, and it needs to be reconstituted with warm water. Also available is canned coconut cream, which is slightly thicker and richer, and block coconut cream, which is used to thicken and flavor.

You can get a thin milk from desiccated coconut by soaking it in an equal volume of hot water and squeezing it through a muslin cloth.

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16:38:53 on 10/19/06 by Webmaster - Questions and Answers -

How to cut up the flesh from a fresh coconut?

After cracking open a coconut and cutting the flesh from the shell, remove the paper-like brown skin with a small paring knife and shred the flesh in a food processor or grate it by hand. If you need thin flakes, use the wide cutting blade on a grater or a mandolin cutter.

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12:47:31 on 10/19/06 by Webmaster - Quick Cooking Tips -

If we want to use fresh coconut instead of desiccated, should we use the same amount?

The flavor of desiccated coconut is more intense than that of fresh coconut. So if you need to use fresh coconut to replace desiccated, ensure that you use at least twice the amount of fresh coconut, be it flaked, grated or shredded.

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12:23:33 on 10/19/06 by Webmaster - Quick Cooking Tips -

What is the difference between desiccated, flaked, shredded and creamed coconut and how is each one used?

They are all derived from fresh coconuts, but differ in how they are processed. Desiccated coconut is the shredded white flesh of the coconut from which all the moisture has been extracted. it can be bought either flaked or in shredded strands.

Desiccated coconut in all its forms is suitable for both sweet and savory dishes, but is used mainly in cakes and biscuits. The longer strands and flakes are usually used for garnishing and decorating.

Creamed coconut, sold in cans or as a block, is formed from desiccated coconut that has been ground to an oily paste which thickens and sets when chilled. The block is sealed in plastic, and once opened, can be stored in the refrigerator for many weeks. Simply cut off pieces to use. Add creamed coconut to traditional Southeast Asian and Indian curries, or to stews, casseroles and soups to enrich and flavor them.

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09:10:25 on 10/19/06 by Webmaster - Questions and Answers -