What is cultured coconut milk?

Do you ever wonder what the heck people are talking about when they say “cultured coconut milk”? I mean, it sounds like something that would come out of a fancy lab or a weird science experiment. But believe it or not, it’s actually just a delicious and healthy alternative to regular cow’s milk.

First Things First: What is Coconut Milk?

Coconut milk may seem like an odd thing to cultivate since we can find coconuts pretty much everywhere these days. However, if you’ve ever tried cracking open a fresh coconut yourself, then you know that extracting its milk can be quite challenging. Nevertheless, coconut milk has been around for centuries as one of the primary cooking ingredients in many Southeast Asian countries where coconuts grow abundantly.

Nowadays though, canned or boxed options are found more often than freshly squeezed ones- which makes things much easier!

And let me tell ya folks; those Southeast Asians sure know what they’re doing! The flavor and aroma that comes with pure coconut creaminess can knock your taste buds into another world! Not exaggerating.

Additionally,according to Nutrition data, coconut contains Minerals such as Manganese & Iron along with Fiber which helps keep our tummy happy – this makes us very excited!

A good percentage of cannedversusfreshly squeezed versions contain only three simple ingredients; water (if packed in brine), ground-up meat usually from matured brown coconuts unless desiccated powder used instead (that does not have enough oil content!) , and sometimes guar gum as an emulsifier/stabilizer so the liquid doesn’t separate too easily over time.

Wait…What About Unsweetened vs Sweetened Coconut Cream?

Great question!! Did we mention there’s also two distinct types? Unsweetened being great for bold flavors like curries and sauces whereas sweetened for more dessert-y vibes.

So Then What Makes Coconut Milk Cultured?

Essentially, think of live culturing as the fermentation process that takes place in items like yogurt and kimchi. It’s a natural biological process whereby the proper bacteria and/or yeast mix with elements (i.e., milk) to create a slightly tangy, sour taste while also forming beneficial probiotics which helps sustain healthy gut flora.

With coconut milk – this is where we can add some “Culture” if you will- creating another delicacy altogether!

Ok But How is it Made and Can I Do This at Home?

Certainly!

Think about using these essential tools;

  1. A clean container or jar.
  2. Canned coconut milk.
  3. Probiotics in powder or capsule form.

Your step by step journey should entail:

1.) Thoroughly mixing together the entire contents of your canned coconut milk
(Totally up to you but we suggest Shake, shake shake!!)

2.) Opening 2-3 capsules/packets worth of probiotic powders (stuff that usually says Includes Lactobacillus Acidophilus/L Plantarum & Bifidobacterium) , OR adding powder variety into an empty capsule approximately equaling those same amounts.

If measuring out isn’t really your thing;
Here’s what one alternative website recommends for this recipe:

"For every quart/liter/container equivalent purchased;"

                "powder/capsules per bottle/jar ratio"

        · 1 Quart = 4 Capsules
        · Half-Gallon = 7 Capsules
        · Gallon = 15 Capsules

On occasion different articles may give minor variations in measurement ratios/packages.

4.) Cover said jar/Container with something porous yet breathable such as cheesecloth tied around rim sealing well; sitting somewhere warm for up to 48 hours, tasting mix approx every 6-8 hrs for desired tartness.

Without going into much detail- what we want in this process is those magic little bacteria's aka 
cultures doing their work breaking down compounds inside the coconut milk via fermentation. 

5.) Finally place newly cultured coconut mixture into fridge when done.
This generally lasts about two weeks and just needs a quick shake before use!

In essence – all you need to do is encourage that live and friendly probiotic bacteria feed on the sugars found from Coconut Milk’s natural content (thickening possible with potassium chloride, hence boxed brands mentioning it), creating new healthy elements your body craves!

Time To Talk About Those Health Benefits

There are many reasons why people choose to switch over completely or even try out this healthier dairy-free option: Here’s how these options can help support our bodily functions:

Improved Gut Functioning

With more emphasis placed upon gut health lately – looking towards prebiotics/probiotics as preventative measures:
Cultured coconut milk contains lactic acid beneficial at maintaining ‘friendlier’ bacterium thus promoting overall better digestive functioning

Emma Heming Willis (a Brand Ambassador of GT Kombucha) puts it simply…

They [Created beverages combining various fermented items]…have been vital tools in building back my gut function…. The nitrates, sulfites, Casein protein etc that are pretty standard non-meat based products really mess with me which also led me further away from anything processed near-soycakes~ So I’m always so grateful when I find things like raw Sauerkraut or GTs kombucha — They legitimately make all the difference.”

It should be noted though- As much goodness exists there still remain folks who experience sensitivity reactions such as stomach pains and other adverse symptoms as side effects even after some adaptation time.

Lowers Cholesterol & Blood Pressure

When asked about the potential advantages associated with fermented dairy milk, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist at UCI Health; Cindy Dallow mentioned in Everyday health that

“It’s thought to help regulate cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood due to its probiotic content,”

The same principle can apply correlation wise towards coconut milk.

According to Wilson Tse (registered dietitian/nutritionist on behalf of GourmetSleuth) – consuming potassium-rich foods like cultured coconut milk daily may also help lower overall Blood Pressure.

In Conclusion:

So yes, there are certainly physical benefits (as long as you don’t overdo it), but taste plays a role too! Cultured Coconut Milk is an incredibly delicious ingredient perfect for creating flavorful dishes or even enjoyed straight from the jar!!

Remember though:
With great power comes great responsibility…too much lacto-fermented food intake all around potentially can lead to dangerous electrolyte imbalances which may cause further underlying health issues for anyone so choose wisely!

Nevertheless, replace some of your animal-based yogurts/creams/sour creams etc if you’re thinking of lowering unnecessary cholesterol while starting friendly-bacteria relationships!

I am honestly rooting for ‘Cultured Coconut milk’ because regardless-for-me-it simply tastes better.

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