This article provides an overview of coconut, what it tastes like, its availability, alternative names, and of course, what other ingredients make coconut substitutes.
What is Coconut?
Coconut is the fruit produced from the coconut tree, where in fact it is botanically a drupe, not a nut.
The name comes from the ancient Portuguese word coco, which means ‘head’ or ‘skull’ and is named after the indentations on the shell, which resemble facial features. Coconuts are native to coastal tropical regions and have since been a cultural icon of the tropics.
What does Coconut taste like?
Coconuts have a fresh, creamy, fruity, and sweet flavor profile, that has earthy, buttery, and woody undertones. The flavor of coconuts changes throughout maturity, with the young coconuts having a much milder flavor and more favored for their fresh and healthy water.
Is Coconut readily available in Supermarkets?
Coconuts are a tropical fruit that may not be readily available in all supermarkets, depending on the location and season.
In warmer climates such as Asia and the Caribbean, coconuts are usually very easy to find, both being sold at local stores and supermarkets, for a much lower price.
What are some alternative names for Coconut?
There are no common alternative names for coconut, however, the term coconut can apply to the fruit, seed, flesh, water, and tree.
What is a good substitute for Coconut in recipes?
Luckily, there are a number of great substitutes for coconut. These include:
- If you cannot find fresh coconut, you can easily substitute it for coconut juice, coconut milk, coconut extract, or coconut chips in recipes.