3 Coconut Products for Tasty Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Cooking
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Coconut milk, coconut flour, and coconut oil are three healthy, gluten-free products that make excellent ingredients for cooking and baking. Since they have become increasingly popular over the past several years, you'll see these coconut products pop up more and more in supermarkets and superstores. Coconut Flour Coconut flour is the meat of the coconut that has been dried and ground down into a flour. It is high in protein and fiber and low in carbohydrates. Coconut flour has a light sweetness that lends a nice flavor to baked goods. Its texture is quite similar to that of wheat flour. Coconut flour tends to give baked goods a drier quality than wheat flour. The right proportion of other ingredients, such as eggs, coconut oil and coconut milk, will help add moisture to a cake or quick bread recipe. Another ingredient that helps balance the texture of coconut flour is almond flour. Find a good recipe that uses coconut flour, and your guests will not be able to tell that they are eating gluten-free! Coconut Milk Coconut milk is a versatile ingredient that can often be used as a substitute for dairy. The kind that is found in half-gallon cartons is not quite the same as the coconut milk that is found in cans. Canned coconut milk is creamier and generally the intended ingredient when listed in recipes. Freeze any leftover coconut milk that you don't plan to use right away in an ice cube tray. Once frozen, you may store the cubes in a container. Microwave for 10 seconds to melt them for use. Virgin Coconut Oil Virgin coconut oil has a diversity of health benefits. It has been shown to be a helpful weight loss aid, reducing belly fat for those who use it as a daily supplement. One study even found that it may even prevent nicotine dependence. As a natural anti-bacterial oil, virgin coconut oil has also been shown to speed the healing of wounds when applied topically. Its anti-viral properties help ward off viruses and support immunity. As an anti-fungal, it can be beneficial to those who struggle with yeast issues. Virgin coconut oil is an excellent substitute for vegetable oil in recipes. You may also use it in place of butter. Coconut flour, coconut milk, and coconut oil are excellent ingredients for gluten-free and dairy-free cooking and baking. These coconut products may be used in a wide variety of recipes and can even promote healing and weight loss. When you're looking for alternatives, go coconut!
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