Making your own coconut milk is super easy and it’s a great way to ensure that you get all the goodness with none of the dangers of commercially processed milk.

When it comes to making your own coconut milk you have a couple of options.

Firstly, the one I’m in favour of, is using a fresh coconut from the grocery store. It is a bit more effort to remove the coconut flesh from the shell but you do get the added bonus of drinking all that beautiful sweet coconut water inside.

The second option is using unsweetened coconut chips. Of course this option is much easier but in my view it adds an unnecessary element of processing.

If you choose the fresh option, the very first rule of making great homemade coconut milk is to select a ripe coconut.

Firstly check the entire shell for signs of mold. Gently press your thumb against the three “eyes” on the bottom of the nut. They should feel dry and slightly soft compared to the hard shell.

A ripe coconut should feel heavy for its size. Hold the coconut up to your ear and shake it gently. In a ripe coconut, you will hear the liquid sloshing around freely. The more liquid, the fresher the coconut.

The recipe below accounts for both options.

Ingredients

• 1 brown coconut or 2 cups of coconut chips
• 4 cups of filtered hot water

Instructions

1. Use a sharp knife to pierce the eyes of the coconut and drain the water into a bowl.
2. Split the coconuts using a rolling pin or a hammer.
3. Pry the coconut flesh from the husk using a blunt knife. Peel or cut off brown bits of skin that stick to the meat.
4. Break the the coconut flesh into smaller chunks.
5. Place the coconut flesh and the water into a blender. (if it can’t fit do half at a time)
6. Blend until the milk is smooth.
7. Strain the mixture through a muslin cloth or a sieve into a glass container.
8. Squeeze out as much liquid as you can and store the milk in the fridge.

A great way to enjoy fresh homemade coconut milk is in a smoothie. Enjoy!

Strawberry Coconut Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of fresh coconut milk
• 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
• Optional:  a good quality protein powder

Place the ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth and serve. Delicious!