Coconut Is A Super Food

the coconut. This tropical staple is loaded with many powerful fatty acids that give it a unique taste and an abundance of health enhancing benefits. Understanding The Ways To Consume Coconut The coconut tree is a member of the palm family and the coconut refers to the  fruit this tree produces.  Yes, a coconut is a fruit, despite the “nut” within the name.  The coconut tree is referred to as the “tree of life”.   For thousands of years, Pacific Islanders have used coconut as their primary source of food and medicine, and as a result have always been among the healthiest, longest-lived people in the world.  Because they have maintained their traditional diets, they are known to be generally free of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other degenerative conditions common in our western culture.  It is interesting to note, that the coconut tree rates higher than the family cow to 1/3 of the world’s population.   Coconut Oil – great for cooking, baking or adding to smoothies.  This product is solid at room temperature.  There are primarily 6 varieties of coconut oil that you will find on the market. These are pure coconut oil, refined coconut oil, organic coconut oil, virgin coconut oil, organic virgin coconut oil and extra virgin coconut oil.  Find at health food stores and grocery stores in the baking section (brands: Nutiva, Artisiana). Raw Coconut Butter / Coconut Manna –  freshly made from whole coconut (not just the oil) and puree’d into a fiberous, densely nutritious “everything” spread that can replace cream, cream cheese and butter.  You can also use it in smoothies, sauces, dressings, desserts and baked goods.  Find at health food stores and grocery stores in the baking section (brands: Nutiva, Artisiana). Coconut Cream Concentrate –  great as an addition to smoothies, or used in baking or adding to hot drinks.  This product  is certified organic whole coconut meat in concentrated form. It is sometimes referred to as “coconut butter.” It contains no additives* (not even water). The dried coconut meat is ground very finely, giving it a creamy consistency due to its high fat content, much like other nut butters. Since it is 70% fat, it is a rich source of pure coconut oil. Note: this is a food, not a cooking oil.  You can buy this through our office or buy online. Coconut Meat – (shredded coconut) – great addition to baked goods or coating for meats.  Unsweetened shredded coconut is best, as no sugar has been added. Find at health food stores and grocery stores in the baking section.  There are many brands available. Coconut Milk (canned, found in Asian section)  — great for cooking and/or baking.  This is the cream and water found inside a coconut.  You can refrigerate an opened can for 24 hours and the cream will rise to the top.  Sometimes you will need just the cream for recipes.  Full fat is best, as it has been less processed.  Find at health food stores and grocery stores in the Asian section (brand: Thai Kitchen). Coconut Milk (carton, found in refrigerated section) – great for drinking or adding to smoothies.  Find at health food stores and grocery stores in the refrigerated dairy/non-dairy section.  There are many brands available. Coconut Water – great for drinking or adding to smoothies.  This is the water inside young coconuts.  Find at health food stores or grocery stores.  There are a lot of brands in the marketplace. Coconut Flour – great for baking or thickening (i.e. gravy).  Find it at health food stores or grocery stores (brands:  Bob’s Red Mill, Coconut Secret). Coconut Aminos – great alternative to soy sauce!  This product is made from the natural sap of coconuts.  Find it at health food stores (brand:  Coconut Secret). Coconut Crystals – this granulated product can be used to bake with or in drinks.  Find it at health food stores and some grocery stores (brand:  Coconut Secret). Coconut Nectar – great to use as a liquid sweetener or syrup.  This product is 100% pure raw organic coconut nectar.  Find it at health food stores (brand:  Coconut Secret). Coconut Vinegar  – great to use in salad dressings or marinades.  This product is made from the natural sap of coconuts and has been aged for 8 months.  Find it online or in health food stores. Coconut Cream (ice cream dessert) – great as an icy treat.  Made from unpasteurized raw coconut cream (not milk) and is sweetened with coconut nectar.  Find this product at Healthy Home Market (brand:  Coconut Secret). Red Palm Oil – unrefined red palm oil has a mild carrot-like flavor, with a rich, buttery texture. It’s ideal for soups, sauces and sautéing. It also turns regular popcorn into delicious (and healthy!) movie theater-style popcorn.  Find this product at health food stores (brand: Nutiva). Red Palm Shortening –  an organic blend of coconut and palm oils. It is the best choice for baked goods such as pie crusts, biscuits and cookies that call for a neutral-flavored, dairy-free shortening. This shortening is vegan and contains no dairy, soy or canola.  The golden color reveals the presence of antioxidant vitamins A & E naturally found in red palm oil.  Find this product in health food stores (brand: Nutiva). Organic Vegan Buttery Spread – a delicious buttery spread made from a blend of red palm oil and virgin coconut oil. It’s the perfect 1:1 butter replacement for baking or cooking. It is vegan and contains no dairy, soy or canola. The bright yellow color reveals the presence of antioxidant vitamins A & E naturally found in red palm oil. Coconut oil provides the added health benefits of lauric acid (brand: Nutiva – sold at Whole Foods in refrigerated section).]]>