If you like culinary experiments, you must have heard of coconut milk. This liquid is a trendy ingredient in many regions. Chefs use it for its creamy and rich texture, which gives a unique taste and texture to dishes. It is slightly sweet. However, Coconut milk is not only used in desserts but also savoury dishes. But why is coconut milk called milk? It is not outsourced from animals as other dairy products and it is a plant-based ingredient.
So Today we are here to explain this in detail. First, let’s tell you
What Is Coconut Milk?
In simple words, Coconut milk is a liquid made from the flesh of mature coconuts. The white part of the coconut is first grated and then soaked in water. The mixture is then strained and the resulting liquid is called coconut milk. It is very easy to make and use. This liquid can be thick or thin according to the concentration of coconut solids. If you use more grated coconut in less water, the resulting liquid will have a more thicker consistency and vice versa.
Is Coconut Milk Actually a Milk?
In the culinary world, milk doesn’t always mean dairy products. Plant-based liquids that have a milky opaque appearance and texture are also called milk. That is why this liquid is called coconut milk.
Moreover, it has a rich and creamy texture like normal dairy products and it looks like cow milk in appearance. Also, it has a white colour that resembles the dairy milk. So both its colour and consistency are the reason the product got its name. This coconut milk is not some modern-day invention, it has been used in food for centuries and people have called it milk ever since.
In historical context, this white coconut liquid was called milk because
In Southeast Asian cuisines, the name used for it was always equivalent to “milk” in different languages. That’s how it got spread all over the world, especially in the West. When Europeans became familiar with coconut milk in these regions, it reminded them of something they were familiar with. Those nostalgic memories of milk back at home were stuck with this product and the name milk stayed with it.
Similarities Between Coconut And Dairy Milk
Well, the culinary uses of this plant-based liquid can be the same as normal dairy milk.
- You can substitute it with dairy milk. It is often used as a substitute for cow milk too. Vegan diets and Lactose intolerant diets use this plant-based liquid instead of regular dairy milk.
- You can use it in baking, cooking and even making beverages.
- It can replicate the same texture and creaminess in soups, curries and desserts as normal dairy milk.
Nutritional Comparison to Dairy Milk
Well, both may be called milk but in nutritional terms, they are not quite the same. Coconut milk has a different nutritional profile than cow milk.
- Unlike Dairy milk, this plant-based liquid has more saturated fats which gives it a creamy and rich texture. This is the same as dairy milk or cream but it has no cholesterol as it is a plant-based liquid. This makes it a very healthy option to be used.
- It is lactose-free. This makes it very suitable for people who are lactose intolerant.
- Unlike common dairy milk, coconut-based liquid is also low in proteins. This is another key difference that makes it a lighter option with the same taste and texture as normal milk.
Is it the Same As Coconut Water?
Coconut milk and coconut water are two different things. They are both made with coconut but are not the same. Coconut water is a clear water-like liquid found inside coconut fruit. Usually, this water is present inside young and green coconuts. This water is very refreshing and light and very different from plant-based milk. Coconut milk is however extracted from grated coconut flesh. It is much thicker and rich in consistency that resembles dairy milk.
We live in an era where terms like almond milk, soy milk, oat milk and other non-dairy options are very popular so yeah coconut milk is also part of the game. All these other plant-based milks are also a very healthy and good substitute for dairy milk. By substitute, we don’t mean that replace it but if you have to, they are good options to switch to.
Also, calling this plant-based milk, Milk helps the consumer to understand where they can use it.
Can You Make Tea With It?
Yes! Why not. It is a very good and healthy substitute for dairy milk in every sense. You can make teas and Matcha that tastes yummy. To use it in teas simply heat the milk a little and add it to your tea. You can also use this plant-based liquid in iced teas and lattes. In hot teas, it adds rich and creamy texture and in cold teas, it adds freshness, and sweet taste to the beverage. It works well with different types of teas.
Here’s a very simple and easy-to-make recipe for a tea latte. You will need
- 1 cup brewed tea (chai, black, green, or matcha work well)
- ½ cup coconut milk (full-fat for creaminess or light for a thinner texture)
- Sweetener of your choice (optional)
- Spices (like cinnamon or nutmeg, optional)
Brew your tea according to your preference. Heat the coconut milk in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warm. Pour the warm coconut milk into the tea and stir to combine. Add sweetener or spices if desired. Serve hot or over ice for an iced tea version.
So in short, coconut milk is called milk because it resembles in taste and texture of normal milk. However, one must keep in mind that despite how healthy this plant-based liquid is, its nutritional profile is not the same as dairy milk. Also, it is a substitute not a replacement for dairy milk.