Here’s What You Need to Know About Organic Coconut Cream

Coconuts are believed to have originated in the Indo-Pacific region. Early humans quickly recognised the fruit's versatile nature, identifying that it could be used as a food source and a sustainable building material. As a result, the tree soon spread throughout coastal communities.

Coconuts are technically defined as a fruit — more specifically, a ‘drupe’, which is a fruit with one singular stone. The fruit is made up of three layers: the brown, hairy exterior, known as the exocarp, the white, fleshy husk, called the mesocarp, and the layer that surrounds the seed, which is known as the endocarp. 

There are many different types of food products that are derived from these three layers. To start with, coconut water is the clear liquid found at the centre of the coconut. Many people speak to the hydrating benefits of the drink and it is often enjoyed as an alternative to soft drink and sports drinks. 

Next comes the white coconut meat. The meat itself is sold in a variety of different forms, including dried, fresh, and shredded. Coconut meat can also be pressed and boiled to form two separate products; coconut milk and coconut cream. The difference between these largely comes down to consistency; coconut cream is a lot thicker than it’s milk counterpart. While coconut milk has a ratio of 1 part water to 1 part coconut, coconut cream usually is made from 1 part water to 4 parts coconut. 

Both can be used to create curries but organic coconut cream is often the preferred option. Think of coconut milk as regular milk and coconut cream as regular cream — if you want a thick, decadent curry, you’re going to go with the latter.

Coconut cream has two main ingredients — shredded coconut meat and water. It is normally packed in a can and may need to be shaken before use, as the meat and water layers often separate.

Coconut cream is a great non-dairy alternative to regular cream and it is often used in vegan dairy recipes. It is also a common ingredient in many traditional East-Asian curries, where it can be used to thicken a mixture and add a creamy consistency.  

From a nutritional perspective, organic coconut cream is a natural product, meaning you don’t have to worry about the damage that artificial ingredients and preservatives might be doing to your body. Coconut cream is reasonably high in calories and saturated fat, however, so it’s best to enjoy in moderation. It is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B, vitamin E, calcium, and magnesium.

When shopping for organic coconut cream, make sure you go with a product that contains as few ingredients as possible, ideally just coconut and water.

This cream chicken curry is easy to prepare and is a great way of making sure your family is getting enough protein and vegetables. Serves 4.

● 1 tbsp olive oil

● 1 kg chicken thigh fillets

● 3 tbsp curry powder

● 1 brown onion, diced

● 4 cloves garlic, crushed

● 2 tbsp tomato paste

● 2 tbsp sugar

● 400g organic coconut cream

● Rice, to serve

1. Cut the chicken fillets into bite sized pieces.

2. Heat the olive oil in a medium pan and add the chicken. Cook until brown.

3. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

4. Fry the onion and garlic until fragrant and soft.

5. Add the curry powder and cook until the onion and garlic are well coated.

6. Add the tomato paste, sugar, and organic coconut cream to the pan. Mix well.

7. Return the chicken to the fry pan.

8. Reduce the heat and simmer until fragrant and well combined.

9. Serve with a side of rice — enjoy!

Vegans rejoice! This dessert is for you. Serves 12.

● 1 cup dairy-free chocolate chips

● 1 cup organic coconut cream

● 1 cup caster sugar

● 3 tbsp cocoa powder

● ½ tsp baking powder

● ½ tsp salt

● 1 tsp vanilla extract

● 1 cup regular flour

1. Preheat the oven to 180℃.

2. Place the organic coconut cream and ⅔ of the chocolate chips into a small saucepan.

3. Cook on medium heat, stirring constantly until well combined.

4. Add the vanilla extra and remove from heat.

5. Sift the caster sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and flour together.

6. Combine the wet and dry ingredients together and mix until just combined. Stir through the remaining chocolate chips.

7. Pour into a standard sized brownie tray. 

8. Place in the oven and cook for 20 minutes.

9. Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting and serving — enjoy!

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