x 14 oz can coconut milk

OtherYear-round, as a shelf-stable canned product. Fresh coconuts are seasonal in tropical regions (varying by location, typically with peaks in fall and winter in some areas), but canned coconut milk maintains consistent availability.

Rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and provides significant amounts of healthy fats; contains some manganese, copper, and iron. Note that coconut milk is calorie-dense and relatively high in saturated fat.

About

Coconut milk is a creamy liquid extracted from the flesh of mature coconuts (Cocos nucifera), a tropical palm native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. Despite its name, coconut milk is not the clear liquid found inside young green coconuts (coconut water), but rather an emulsion created by grating coconut flesh and expressing it with hot water or pressing. The result is a rich, opaque liquid with a high fat content (typically 13-20% in canned preparations) and subtle sweet, nutty flavor. Canned coconut milk is a processed convenience form that has been extracted, homogenized, and preserved, often with added stabilizers and guar gum to prevent separation of the cream and liquid components.

Culinary Uses

Coconut milk is a staple ingredient in Southeast Asian, Indian, and Caribbean cuisines, providing richness and body to curries, soups, and stews. It is commonly used in Thai curry pastes (green, red, and yellow), laksa, coconut-based gravies, and in Indian coconut curries from regions like Kerala and Goa. The ingredient also appears in desserts, beverages (including piña coladas), and as a dairy alternative in vegan cooking. Canned coconut milk is particularly valued for its convenience and consistency; the top layer of cream can be separated for richer applications, while the thinner liquid below suits lighter dishes or can be mixed back together for a standard consistency.

Forms & Preparations

Canned (standard liquid) — The most common form—a homogenized emulsion in cans, typically 13-17% fat content, with stabilizers to maintain consistency.
Coconut cream (canned or frozen) — A thicker, cream-like preparation with higher fat content (20%+), sometimes sold as a separate product or found as the top layer in canned coconut milk.
Powdered or desiccated — Dried coconut milk powder that is reconstituted with water; useful for storage and travel, though may lack the smoothness of canned versions.
Fresh or homemade — Made by pressing grated coconut meat through cloth with hot water; provides the most authentic flavor but requires fresh coconuts and more labor.
Reduced-fat or lite — Commercial canned versions with lower fat content (7-10%), created by reducing the coconut solids or adding water; lighter mouthfeel but less richness.