Image Credit: CocoWonder
Coconut
is often called as the “tree of life” because of the variety of products that
can be obtained from it. In my previous posts, I have talked about coconut sugar and coconut flour.
This time I’m going to share with you another coconut wonder – the coconut
butter.
Coconut
butter is made by grinding pure coconut meat until it reaches a creamy,
butter-like consistency. It is a dairy-free, nut-free and vegan alternative to
the regular milk-based butter. It has a milky and slightly sweet flavor with a strong
coconut aroma. Actually, its taste and smell remind me of latik which is a Filipino term for coconut curds that are often
used as toppings on sweet rice cakes.
Health Benefits of Coconut Butter
Boost Immune System
Coconut
butter (just like coconut oil) contains about 50% lauric acid. Lauric acid is known for its antimicrobial, antifungal
and antiviral properties. It is the same component that is present in a
mother’s breast milk which can boost the immune system of babies. So if you
feel that you’re about to get a common cold, then it’s the perfect excuse to
incorporate coconut butter in your daily diet.
Help Burn Body Fat
A
lot of people think that eating coconut butter can make them fat because
coconut contains high percentage of saturated fat. Actually, it has the
opposite effect – coconut butter can help you lose weight. How is that
possible? It’s because 60% of the saturated fats in coconut butter are medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).
Medium-chain triglycerides are known as “healthy” fats because they get burn in
our body to provide energy. In other words, they are not being stored as fats
rather they aid in burning calories, making coconut butter a metabolism
booster.
Pack with Fiber and Minerals
Unlike
coconut oil which only contains fat, a tablespoon of coconut butter contains
about 2 grams of dietary fiber and a little bit of potassium, magnesium and
iron. The fiber in coconut butter helps to regulate bowel movement, cholesterol
and blood sugar level.
Different Ways to Use Coconut Butter
Butter Spread
Spread
coconut butter on top of freshly toasted breads, crackers or hot pancakes. Take
note though that at room temperature (20 – 25 C), coconut butter is very solid.
So before using it as a spread, you need to place the jar of coconut butter in
a bowl of hot water and wait for it to soften to a spreadable consistency.
Non-Dairy Coffee Creamer
For
people with lactose intolerance issue, you can add a teaspoon of coconut butter
into your hot cup of coffee as an alternative to dairy-based coffee creamer.
Soup Flavor Enhancer
One
way to make a creamy and savory soup is to add a dollop of coconut butter into
it. For instance, coconut butter complements well with a curry-based soup (in
the same way that Thai uses coconut milk in their curry dishes).
Smoothies
Pack
some extra fiber and nutrients to your daily smoothies by adding a tablespoon
of coconut butter just like this Banana and Coconut Butter Smoothie by Aggie’s Kitchen.
Oatmeal
Make
your morning oatmeal extra creamy and sweet without the addition of milk by
stirring a tablespoon of coconut butter while the oatmeal is still hot.
Homemade Dairy-Free Ice Cream
If
you’re craving for ice cream but worry about its high calorie and sugar
content, then try this simple and healthier Coconut Banana Ice Cream made with just coconut butter and frozen bananas, how simple is that?
Coconut-Coated Frozen Fruits
One
of the interesting things about coconut butter is it solidifies as soon as it
touches anything cold, so it’s a perfect alternative for chocolates when it
comes to making chocolate-coated fruits. This Frozen Raspberries with Coconut Butter by In Sonnet’s Kitchen is a great starter recipe you can try with other frozen fruits.
Where to Buy Coconut Butter in the Philippines
I
bought my coconut butter from CocoWonder
which is available in 250g and 500g from Shopee and Lazada. Their coconut butter is 100% organic, non-GMO
and free from stabilizers and extenders. CocoWonder
only uses pure and high-quality matured coconut in making their coconut butter.
Have
you tried coconut butter? Share your favorite ways of using coconut butter in
the comment section below.
References:
Coconut
Butter: The Better, Healthier Butter. Retrieved from https://draxe.com/coconut-butter/
Ask
the Diet Doctor: Coconut Oil Vs. Coconut Butter. Retrieved from https://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/diet-tips/ask-diet-doctor-coconut-oil-vs-coconut-butter
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Disclosure: This post contains
affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and
purchase the products, I’ll receive some commission.
