Coconut is an unsung kitchen hero. Versatile, flavourful and relatively inexpensive, it’s that ingredient we often forget to include on our shopping list. So here are five reasons why it needs to be top of your list next time you hit the supermarket. 

1. Dreamy milk or cream

A great dairy substitute, coconut milk adds its own rich flavour to stir-fries, stews and curries. Coconut cream can be used in the same way as regular cream and can even be whipped or used in making dairy-free ice cream or even meringue pie. “The biggest difference is in their consistency,” says TikToker @kelsey_nixon, cream being thicker and the milk being more liquid.  

@kelsey_nixon Did you know there is a difference between coconut milk and cream? Now you know! #coconutmilk #kitchenhack #cookingtip #easyrecipe #simplerecipe #familydinner #fyp ♬ Steven Universe – L.Dre

2. Flakes of flavour

Coconut flakes can jolly up everything from soaked oats to salads, adding their own crunchy, exotic flavour. You can even make your own to ensure they are super fresh. TikTok foodie @remremdfoodie says you can also make them into chips “by using the bigger hole of your grater”. 

@remremdfoodie Make Healthy Coconut Flakes At Home. Very simple. #coconut #coconutrecipes #healthyrecipes #coconutflakes #moots #weightlossfood #foodblogfeed #naijafoodblog #viraltiktok #recipefeed ♬ original sound – Remremdfoodie

3. Meat-free ‘meat’  

Sporting a lovely texture and bright white hue, coconut meat is rich in good fats and has various health benefits, being high in fibre and iron, manganese, selenium and more. “Coconut meat is incredibly versatile, with its delectable taste and various culinary applications, from creamy curries to refreshing smoothies and indulgent desserts”, says nutritionist @Nmamiagarwal on Instagram. 

 

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4. The oil you need

High in saturated fats, rich and delicious, coconut oil might lurk at the back of your pantry, somewhat forgotten. But once you know how to use it, you will see how much flavour it adds to regular cooking, baking, savoury dishes and salad dressing. Thomas Joseph of Kitchen Conundrums advises to “look for an organic version and a non-hydrogenated version” to get the best of this amazing ingredient.    

5. Water on the go

“Coconut water is a delicious beverage that can be enjoyed on its own or added to smoothies, juices or other drinks”, says The 3-Minute Health on YouTube.  

Harvested from young coconuts, the water occurs naturally inside the fruit and contains hydrating electrolytes and small amounts of carbohydrates and vitamins. Somewhat controversial (too much could be harmful and others tout it as a healthy drink), it can be used in everything from lemonade to cocktails.   

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