How to Make Coconut Milk From Fresh Coconut: A Simple Recipe

Coconut milk is a staple in kitchens around the world. It has a delicately sweet flavour and is an ingredient in many delicious recipes. Coconut milk is dairy-free, rich in nutrients and has several health benefits.

Most people buy coconut milk in a tin from the supermarket. However, it is simple to make coconut milk from fresh coconut. Fresh coconut milk tastes better than the tinned variety and contains no additives.

This blog post will teach you how to make coconut milk from fresh coconut. Whether you are dairy-free or want to create the tastiest homemade coconut milk, why not give it a go this weekend?

What is Coconut Milk?

Coconut milk is a rich, white liquid that resembles cow’s milk. It is made by blending the flesh of mature coconuts with water. The fat in the coconut flesh creates a creamy texture.

Coconut milk should not be confused with coconut water. Coconut water is the clear liquid found naturally in young green coconuts. You can drink coconut water straight from the coconut.

Coconut milk is a versatile addition to many dishes. You can use coconut milk as a base for soups, curries, and desserts and as a dairy-free alternative to milk in smoothies and baking.

The Health Benefits of Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which increase satiety and help the body produce energy. MCTs are considered healthy fats, but only in moderation due to their high-calorie content.

Coconut milk is a good source of minerals and vitamins, such as potassium, iron, magnesium, and vitamins D and E. These nutrients are essential for healthy immune systems and muscle development.

Coconut is a fruit, not a nut. Therefore, coconut milk is an excellent nut milk substitute for people with a nut allergy. As coconut milk is dairy-free, it is also suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan.

How to Make Coconut Milk From Fresh Coconut

The hardest part about making coconut milk from fresh coconut is dehusking and cracking your coconut! It can be physical, so try the cheat version below if this is too much for you.

1. Crack Open Your Fresh Coconut

Start by slamming the coconut husk into something sharp. We use a homemade wooden spike, but the edge of a step works, too. Once the husk splits, you can tear off the inner fibrous layers.

Next, look for the three "eyes" on one end of the inner nut. Using a clean screwdriver or similar tool, poke through the softest one. Then, pour the coconut water into a container to enjoy later.

Finally, hold the coconut securely and tap it firmly along the middle with the blunt side of a heavy knife or similar, rotating as you go. The shell will eventually crack, and you can pry it open.

2. Extract the Flesh From Your Fresh Coconut

Once cracked, you can extract the coconut flesh. To do this, wedge a butter knife or sturdy spoon between the flesh and shell of the coconut. Then, gently pry the meat away, working in sections.

The flesh also has an inner brown skin. If you don't remove it, the skin will alter the colour of your coconut milk. To avoid this, you can use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin from the meat.

If you have difficulty extracting the flesh, place the coconut in a warm oven for 10 minutes. The heat helps the flesh separate more easily from the shell. After removing the meat, rinse well to remove any bits of shell or husk.

3. Blend Your Coconut Flesh With Water

The next step to make coconut milk from fresh coconut is to blend it. Start by chopping the coconut meat into smaller pieces. Smaller pieces will make it easier for your blender to process the meat.

Add the chopped coconut flesh to your food processor with some water. The water should be hot but does not need to be boiling. A ratio of 1 cup of coconut to 2 cups of water works well.

Blend the mixture on high for a few minutes, then stir it. You want it to become thick and creamy. Add more water and blend again for another minute or two to create a smoother texture.

4. Strain Your Fresh Coconut Milk

Once you’ve blended the coconut flesh and water, pour the mixture into a fine mesh sieve, muslin cloth, or nut milk bag over a bowl. Allow the liquid to flow through naturally.

Then, using clean hands, squeeze and press the remaining pulp to extract every last drop of milk. If you’re using a sieve, press the pulp with the back of a spoon. The strained milk is ready to use right away.

5. Store Your Coconut Milk

Pour the strained coconut milk into a clean, airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for 3–4 days. Because it’s free from preservatives, natural separation may occur. Simply shake or stir it well before using.

For extended storage, you can freeze the milk in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen coconut milk can be used for up to three months.

Cheat Version Of Homemade Coconut Milk

If you don't have access to fresh coconuts or don’t want to crack one open, you can still make homemade coconut milk. You can just use shredded coconut from the supermarket instead.

To make fresh homemade coconut milk, add the shredded coconut to your food processor with hot water and blend. Then, follow the steps above to strain and store the milk.

Additional Tips

Adjusting the water ratio will affect the consistency of the milk. Increase the amount of coconut flesh to achieve thicker, creamier milk. Conversely, increase the water to achieve lighter coconut milk.

Coconuts have a mild, delicately sweet taste. However, if you want to increase the sweetness of your coconut milk, try adding dates, maple syrup or honey for a natural sweetness boost.

You can change the flavour of your coconut milk by adding other ingredients. For example, add cacao or cocoa powder to make chocolate milk or add fresh or frozen fruit of your choice, such as strawberries.

What to Do With Your Leftover Coconut Solids?

1. Create Coconut Meal

Don’t throw away the coconut solids left over from making your milk. They are full of fibre. Dry the leftovers and use the coconut meal for smoothies, curries, or baked goods.

2. Create Coconut Flour

Another option is to make coconut flour. After extracting the milk, spread the remaining coconut pulp on a baking tray and dry it in the oven at a low temperature until dehydrated.

Then, blend the pulp into a fine powder using a food processor. This gluten-free flour is high in fibre and works well in baking or as a thickener in recipes. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Why not Make Coconut Milk From Fresh Coconut Today?

Making coconut milk from fresh coconut is simple. It’s a great way to avoid the additives often found in store-bought varieties. Coconut milk is also nut and lactose-free, making it an excellent choice for those with dietary sensitivities.

You can use it in many recipes, from savoury curries to sweet desserts. If you have time to spare, making fresh coconut milk is well worth the effort. So now you know how to make coconut milk from fresh coconut, why not try it today?