Coconut Cream
The thickest, richest top layer of coconut milk, or a product made to this profile (coconut cream). Contains no dairy; adds a creamy texture to curries and desserts as a plant-based alternative.
What Is Coconut Cream?
Coconut cream is the thickest, richest top layer of the milk extracted from ripe coconut flesh, or a thick, creamy product made specifically to that profile. It contains no dairy; despite its name, it is not an animal cream.
It has less water and more fat than coconut milk, giving it a thick, creamy consistency and a pronounced coconut aroma. The fat can separate and rise to the top when it sits; it should be stirred before use.
Nutritional Values of Coconut Cream
With its high fat content, coconut cream is more calorie-dense than coconut milk, providing around 330 kcal per 100 g, and being plant-based it contains no dairy. Values vary by brand and thickness; they are approximate.
How Should Coconut Cream Be Used?
Since coconut cream is rich in fat, it should be used in moderation; it is ideal for adding creamy texture and aroma to a dish. It suits those looking for a plant-based option instead of dairy cream, though it is not low in calories.
This information is general; coconut cream is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.
How Is Coconut Cream Chosen?
Good coconut cream has a simple ingredient list (high coconut content), few additives, and a suitable freshness date. Products that are overly additive-laden, watery, or have gone off in smell should be avoided.
- Should have a high coconut content
- Should have few additives and a simple ingredient list
- Should have a suitable freshness date
How Is Coconut Cream Stored?
An unopened tin/can is stored in a cool, dry place until the date on the label. Once opened, it should be kept in the fridge in a sealed container and used within a few days; the remainder can be frozen.
Using Coconut Cream in the Kitchen
Coconut cream is used most in Thai-Indian curries, soups, desserts, ice cream-puddings, and smoothies; it is also used to add creamy texture and coconut aroma to dishes. It is usually added at the end of cooking so it doesn't split when heated.
What Is the Difference Between Coconut Cream and Coconut Milk?
Both are made from coconut; cream contains less water and more fat, making it thick and creamy. Milk, on the other hand, is a thinner and more watery product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does coconut cream contain dairy?
No; it is entirely plant-based and contains no animal milk. This is why it can be used as a plant-based alternative to dairy cream.
Why does the fat separate in the can?
When it sits, the dense fat rises to the top and water settles below; this is normal. Stirring or gently warming it before use brings the texture back together.
Why does coconut cream thicken curry?
Its high fat content makes the curry sauce creamy and thick, giving it a rich texture that mellows the spices; this is why it is used so often in curries.