Definition

Noun 1. A clear to whitish liquid found inside a fresh, young coconut. This is the natural water or juice contained within the coconut's central cavity. 2. A white, creamy liquid extracted by pressing the grated flesh (meat) of a mature coconut. This is the rich, fatty liquid commonly used in cooking.

Usage

Coconut milk is primarily used as a non-dairy culinary ingredient. It is a staple in many tropical and Asian cuisines. - The first definition (the clear liquid inside a young coconut) is often called coconut water in modern usage to avoid confusion. - The second definition (the creamy liquid from pressed meat) is the most common meaning in recipes and food contexts.

Examples

• For the liquid from pressed meat (common usage):
  • "The recipe for the curry calls for one can of coconut milk."
  • "She made a delicious soup using coconut milk, lemongrass, and ginger."
  • "You can make coconut milk at home by blending fresh coconut meat with hot water and then straining it."
• For the liquid inside a nut (less common modern usage):
  • "After cracking open the young coconut, we drank the sweet coconut milk inside." (Note: Often called coconut water today).

Advanced Usage

• Culinary Grades: In cooking, coconut milk is sometimes separated into thinner "milk" for soups and thicker "cream" for rich sauces or desserts.
• Canned vs. Carton: Coconut milk in cans is typically for cooking, while versions in cartons are often diluted and sweetened for use as a beverage.

Variants and Related Words

• Coconut water (n): The clear liquid from inside a young, green coconut. This term is now standard to distinguish it from the creamy .
• Coconut cream (n): A thicker, richer version of coconut milk, with a higher fat content, often used in desserts and cocktails.
• Desiccated coconut (n): Dried, grated coconut meat, which can be reconstituted with water to make coconut milk.

Synonyms

• For the culinary liquid: coconut cream (when referring to the thick, fatty layer).
• For the internal liquid: coconut water.

Related Phrases

• Full-fat / Light coconut milk: Terms describing the fat content of canned coconut milk.
• To extract coconut milk: The process of squeezing liquid from grated coconut flesh.

Noun

1. clear to whitish fluid from within a fresh coconut
2. white liquid obtained from compressing fresh coconut meat