Coconut Milk vs Coconut Cream
The distinction between coconut milk and coconut cream lies in the amount of fat each contains. Coconut is popular among health-conscious individuals due to its numerous health benefits. These benefits can be obtained by consuming coconut in various forms, such as coconut milk, coconut cream, coco butter, or coconut oil. Coconut milk and cream are often considered the same, but there are differences between these two products.
What is Coconut Milk?
Coconut milk is the liquid obtained by squeezing the meat of the coconut. In some parts of the world, the water inside the shell is referred to as coconut milk, but this is not correct. In Sri Lanka, South India, and Thailand, coconut milk is used generously in the preparation of all kinds of recipes, making a great base for many types of soups and curries. Coconut milk is prepared by shredding the coconut meat and mixing it with water. The content is then either squeezed in cheesecloth or churned in a mixer. Coconut milk is a wholesome drink in itself, and people consume it regularly. It is also available in canned form in western countries, containing 23.84 g of fat per 100g.
What is Coconut Cream?
Coconut cream is essentially coconut milk without all the water, making it thicker and pastier. It is a very versatile product and can be used in various recipes as sweetened or unsweetened cream. If a recipe requires concentrated coconut milk, it is better to use coconut cream instead. Coconut cream has a higher fat content than coconut milk, with 34.68 g of fat per 100g. It is possible to make coconut cream from coconut milk by skimming the milk from the can or allowing the milk to separate on its own, leaving a thick creamy layer at the top. This layer is the coconut cream. In the same way, coconut milk can be made from coconut cream by diluting the cream with water to the desired consistency. It is important not to confuse coconut cream with “cream of coconut,” which is sweetened coconut cream used in various desserts.
Key Takeaways
- Coconut milk is more watery and less thick than coconut cream, with a fat content of 23.84 g per 100g.
- Coconut cream is thicker and pastier than coconut milk, with a higher fat content of 34.68 g per 100g.
- Both coconut milk and coconut cream are used in Asian cuisine as a base for curries and soups, and can be made from one another by adding or removing water.
