Organic coconut cream is a delectable and versatile product which is wonderful in curries, soups and even whipped up to make a divine dessert that isn’t harsh when it comes to sugar content. However, we wanted to really go to town on all that you need to know about this ingredient. We’ll cover how organic coconut cream is made, how you can use it and where you can buy it, including where cafes and restaurants can get their hands on bulk supplies of coconut cream.

Pulling apart the jargon

For the uninitiated, it’s easy to get confused between coconut cream, creamed coconut and coconut milk. It gets even more confusing when these products can come in different forms such as dried as a powder in a packet, or delivered in its liquid form in a can.

Coconut cream is a liquid product and typically has around 24% fat content.  Coconut milk is also liquid and usually has a fat content of around 17% (it simply contains more water).  Creamed coconut however, is a hard bloc of coconut that has been preserved and needs hot water or steam to be applied in order to break it up for cooking. 

Whilst these coconut products are staple parts of Asian cuisine, we’re still getting our heads around them in the UK, gradually figuring out that they are wonderful store cupboard staples. You can use them in a creamy yet biting Thai red curry, in dairy-free ice cream, desserts or smoothies. 

How is coconut cream made?

Coconut cream is made by taking the flesh, or ‘meat’, of the coconut and adding water to it, then squeezing the nut until the coconut milk spills out.  Once the liquid settles, the coconut cream will form on top of the container and the coconut milk will settle at the bottom.  A mechanical process dispels the fat and separates the cream and milk.  

Really, the only difference between these two products is the consistency. Coconut milk is a richer and thicker creamy liquid (around 24% fat). Coconut milk is more liquid (around 17% fat) and contains more water. That’s why coconut milk powder – a way to have coconut milk ready to make at any time – can be used with less water to make coconut cream or coconut milk.

Coconut cream has a higher fat content than coconut milk. If we’re comparing to dairy products that you may be familiar with, it is like a carton of cream versus a bottle of semi-skimmed milk.

Coconut cream and coconut milk are becoming increasingly popular in western diets and recipes. Not only does it taste fantastic, but it’s also keto friendly, dairy free and gluten free.

Coconut water is a different product. Coconut water is actually the liquid that is naturally found inside the coconut and does not come from the coconut meat.   

Not all products are the same

We sell organic coconut cream in bulk 20KG cases and organic unsweetened coconut milk powder that can be used to make either coconut cream or coconut milk. When choosing your product, look at the ingredients. Whilst a stabiliser is necessary with powdered products to stop the product hardening, the other ingredients should be all-coconut. Particularly take care not to choose one with added sugar.

How to make coconut cream from coconut milk powder

It’s very simple! You can use coconut milk powder to make coconut cream. This is ideal for personal use as you’re unlikely to need coconut cream in the quantities typically available. This way you can make the amount you need without it going off too quickly. Cafes, restaurants and food manufacturers will find it easier to buy in bulk. You can also whip the made up cream or milk to make whipped coconut cream for a lighter aerated cream which goes wonderfully with a pile of pancakes or a slice of cake.

What’s nutritionally great about coconut cream?

We’ve shared with you recently the decadently amazing benefits of coconut milk powder. Many of these benefits extend to coconut cream too. It’s jam-packed with nutritional benefits. We’d also like to point out the following benefits:

• It’s satiating

Coconut cream helps you to feel fuller for longer. It’s due to its high healthy fat content (lots of lauric, capric and caprylic acid!) and why it’s such a popular keto-diet choice. Additionally, it’s low in carbohydrates, so there’s no spike to your blood sugars.

• It’s enjoyable

The problem with many substitute ingredients is that they are lacking in taste. They focus on ‘making do’ rather than sheer enjoyment. Eating should be a pleasurable experience, even if you’re trying to follow a particular diet, or avoiding certain foods. We’d go so far as to say that morning porridge made with coconut cream is out-of-this-world delicious, and it’s the same for lots of other recipes too.

• It’s versatile

Whether you want a creamy spicy savoury curry or a sweet and treaty dessert, coconut cream has a place. It’s really versatile. If you want to whip up a batch of dairy free cupcakes, you can even ice them with coconut cream (top tip: add a little vanilla extract for seriously YUMMY icing!).

• It’s got the good stuff

Coconut cream is also particularly rich in magnesium, iron and potassium. Getting these nutrients in your diet isn’t always easy, but they are vital for things such as healthy blood and good nerve function. 

• It’s dairy free

No cows or goats are needed to make coconut cream making a perfect vegan alternative. Even those who aren’t vegan often try to avoid dairy due to allergies and intolerances. Yet, it can be hard to get that creamy texture without dairy. Coconut cream is the solution.

• It’s gluten free

Lots of non-dairy recipes will see you reaching for alternatives. However, you have to take care not to accidentally reach for an option that contains gluten, if this is a problem for you. Coconut cream is gluten-free.

How to store and use coconut cream

Most individuals probably won’t use sufficient amounts of coconut cream to make it worth buying as a standalone ingredient. Therefore, we recommend using organic coconut milk powder and mixing this up to a creamy consistency as and when you need it. This can then live happily in your cupboard in its re-sealable bag.

Our buy-in-bulk organic coconut cream, has been heat treated as part of its production. It comes in 20 KG cartons and has been manufactured and stored in a BRC accredited factory, so you can feel assured there is full traceability and a top class facility.  You can store the cartons for 18 months somewhere reasonably cool, between 4 and 30°C. You shouldn’t freeze coconut cream as it will separate. Once you’ve opened a carton, it will need to be used within 72 hours.

Our 20kg bulk cartons of organic coconut cream are the perfect size for most cafes, restaurants and low scale food manufacturers. It’s proving to be a popular choice in curries, soups, porridges, cakes and more.