Coconut water does not become coconut milk. They are two distinct products derived from the coconut. Coconut water is the clear liquid found inside young, green coconuts. Coconut milk, on the other hand, is made from the flesh of mature coconuts.
Here's a breakdown of how coconut milk is made:
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Harvesting Mature Coconuts: The process begins with harvesting mature coconuts.
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Shredding the Coconut Flesh: The white flesh of the coconut is removed from the shell and shredded into small pieces.
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Soaking in Hot Water: The shredded coconut flesh is then soaked in hot water. This helps to extract the milky liquid from the coconut.
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Extraction and Cream Separation: The mixture is then processed (often blended). This process allows the fat and oils to separate, forming a thick cream that rises to the top. This cream is often skimmed off and used as coconut cream.
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Straining: The remaining liquid is strained through a cheesecloth or similar material to remove any remaining coconut pulp. What remains is coconut milk.
Therefore, it's important to remember that coconut water is a naturally occurring beverage within the coconut, while coconut milk is a processed product made from the coconut flesh. They are not the same and one does not become the other.
