Learn how to make homemade coconut milk with fresh or shredded coconut!

This easy, creamy homemade coconut milk recipe requires just 2 ingredients - coconut & water!

<h3>Coconut Milk Uses</h3>

Coconut milk is one of the best tropical beverages. Its natural sweetness and creamy texture make it perfect for adding to fruity drinks, smoothies, and various recipes. When using fresh coconut, the flavor is much more intense, offering a richer and more satisfying experience.

<h3>Choosing a Mature Coconut</h3>

When selecting a mature coconut, keep these tips in mind:

<b>1. Shake It</b>

Pick it up and shake it—if it feels heavy for its size and you can hear water inside, it’s likely fresh.

<b>2. Examine the Eyes</b>

Look at the ‘eyes’—the three holes in the shell. Ensure they are not moldy or wet, as this may indicate a leak in the coconut.

<b>3. Check for Cracks</b>

Inspect the shell for cracks or leaks. If found, the coconut meat and water inside may have gone bad.

<h3>How to Open a Mature Coconut</h3>

<b>1. Drain the Coconut Water</b>

Poke holes through the ‘eyes’ and tilt the coconut to drain the water into a glass. Ensure it doesn’t smell sour and remains clear with a slight translucency.

<b>2. Crack-the Coconut</b>

Wrap the coconut in a towel and hit it with a hammer or meat tenderizer. Alternatively, you can strike the coconut across its ‘equator’ with the back of a cleaver.

<b>3. Remove the Coconut Meat</b>

Once cracked open, take a butter-knife or straight-edge spatula and carefully wedge it between the coconut meat and the outer shell. Gently rock it back and forth to separate the meat.

<b>4. Optional: Peel the Coconut Meat</b>

Dear Lykkers, peel away the thin brown skin if you plan to use the leftover coconut meal. This won’t affect the taste of the coconut milk, especially if the skin is left on since it will be strained later.

<h3>How to Make Homemade Coconut Milk with Fresh Coconut</h3>

<b>1. Cut and Blend the Coconut Meat</b>

Cut the coconut meat into small pieces and add it to a high-speed blender. If using shredded coconut flakes, just add them directly. Add hot water and blend for 1 to 3 minutes until smooth. Using a high-speed blender will extract more flavor.

<b>2. Strain the Coconut Milk</b>

Pour the coconut milk through a strainer, nut milk bag, cheesecloth, or kitchen towel. Squeeze it to extract all the creamy goodness.

<b>3. Adjust Consistency</b>

For a rich and creamy texture, avoid adding too much water. If a thinner consistency is preferred, feel free to add more water.

<h3>Homemade Coconut Cream</h3>

After refrigerating the coconut milk for several hours, you may notice that the coconut cream separates. This is especially true if using fresh coconut meat. Homemade coconut cream is incredibly rich and creamy!

<b>1. Scoop the Coconut Cream</b>

Once separated, scoop out the coconut cream. It’s perfect for desserts and adds a luxurious texture. Stir it back into the coconut milk to regain its creaminess if desired.

<h3>Homemade Coconut Meal (Coconut Flour)</h3>

After straining the coconut milk, the leftover coconut meat can be dried to create homemade coconut flour. This meal is versatile and can be used in various recipes.

<b>1. Turn It Into Coconut Flour</b>

Dry the leftover coconut meal to make coconut flour. Peel off the outer skin if planning to bake with it. You can use this flour for baking cookies, muffins, pancakes, bread, and even dog treats.

<b>2. Compost or Freeze</b>

If you’re not using the coconut meal, consider composting it, as it’s excellent for enriching soil. Alternatively, freeze it to prevent the oil from going rancid.

Making homemade coconut milk from fresh coconut is a rewarding process that results in rich, flavorful coconut milk, coconut cream, and even coconut flour. Whether used for cooking, baking, or as a drink, homemade coconut products elevate any recipe. Enjoy this refreshing and tropical experience!

Homemade Coconut Milk From Fresh Coconut or Shredded Coconut

Video by Morgane Recipes