Coconuts
Coconut Water vs Coconut Milk
Coconut is a palm tree bearing a large, hard fruit. The coconut is known for its great versatility as it is used in many domestic, commercial, and industrial processes. Coconuts form an important part of the daily diet in many cultures. Coconut milk and oil are used for cooking purposes. Coconut water is used for refreshment or making alcoholic products.
Coconut water
Coconut water is the clear, watery liquid inside the coconut shell. It develops inside small coconuts when its flesh is very soft. As the coconut matures, the water slowly turns into the flesh. So rich coconut water is mostly found in young coconuts. The water of a young coconut, which is also called “the liquid endosperm,” is the most nutritious beverage that nature has provided for the people of the tropics to fight the deadly heat. It has a caloric value of 17.4/100gm.
Coconut water has been a very popular drink in the Caribbean, the tropics, and the sub-continental areas. Coconut water is free of carbohydrates and proteins. Therefore, it is used as a refreshment and sports drink. When fermented, coconut water forms coconut vinegar which is used in various cuisines in tropical cultures.
Coconut milk
Coconut milk is a sweet, white, cooking base derived from the flesh of a mature coconut. Unlike coconut water, it is not formed naturally but is made by either crushing the coconut flesh or re-crushing the coconut flesh in warm water making either thick and thin coconut milk respectively. It has a caloric value of 47 cal. per 100 gm. which is quite a bit stronger than the coconut water.
Coconut milk is basically used in cooking or making coconut-related soups. Coconut cream is made by the prior shaking of the coconut milk in a can-based container. Coconut milk also finds its use as an alternative to milk in a vegan diet and is used in making tea and coffee-like beverages. Coconut milk can be converted to a powder form which can later be used in the preparation of curry.
Coconut milk is considered to be part of a very healthy diet and has been found to have lipid-balancing qualities and microbe-defending properties. It also is used to heal mouth ulcers.
Summary:
1.Coconut water is a naturally occurring composition inside the coconut while coconut milk is derived by crushing the “flesh” of the coconut.
2.Coconut water is very low in carbohydrates and fats while in coconut milk these values are very high.
3.Coconut water is used as a refreshment and energy sports drink whereas coconut milk is used basically in cooking.
4.Coconut water is also used in making vinegars and alcohols whereas coconut milk is used as an alternative to cow and animals’ milk.
5.Coconut water has a bland taste while coconut milk is much richer in taste.