Coconut milk is a delicious usual dairy product with high-fat content and calories. This makes it perfect for baking but also very hard to store. It is a delicious dairy product that is often used in cooking.
Coconut milk is often mistaken for dairy milk. However, they are very different products.
While both contain lactose, coconut milk contains more fat than dairy milk. It’s also lower in cholesterol and sodium.
For these reasons, coconut milk is healthier than dairy milk.
Also, coconut milk does not have any lactose so it won’t cause digestive issues for people with lactose intolerance.
The product has a short shelf life, and if left out at room temperature, it goes bad quickly after a couple of days. This means that you need to refrigerate it immediately after opening.
What is a Coconut Milk?
Coconut milk is a sweetened creamy liquid made by grinding up the flesh of mature coconuts into a paste. It contains about 60% water, 25% coconut solids, 10% coconut oil, and 5% coconut sugar.
The remaining 5% consists of vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, copper, phosphorus, sodium, and protein.
The taste of coconut milk varies depending on where the coconut was grown. For example, Thai coconut milk tends to be sweeter than Malaysian or Indonesian coconut milk.
Coconut milk has a texture similar to condensed milk. However, it is thinner and lighter.
Why Use Canned Coconut Milk?
The convenience of canned coconut milk makes it easy to get a quick supply of fresh coconut milk. It has become very popular lately because it’s convenient and healthy. However, it does have a shelf life of only 3 days.
To preserve it for a long time, you should freeze it first. However, there are several things that you need to keep in mind before freezing coconut milk.
Freezing coconut milk is possible but it does require specific steps. This blog post will show you how to freeze coconut milk from cans.
How To Freeze Canned Coconut Milk
Step 1: Open Can
To open your canned coconut milk, remove the top screw cap. You’ll see a plastic ring around the top of the can. Remove this ring using your fingers and then pull off the lid.
Step 2: Pour Into A Container
Pour the contents of the can into a freezer safe container. The best containers to use are glass jars or mason jars or heavy-duty freezer bag. Make sure to leave some space at the top of the jar.
You don’t want the coconut milk to overflow when you pour it into the jar.
Step 3: Put Lid On And Store In Freezer
Put the lid back on the can and place it in the freezer. Leave it there until frozen solid.
Once the coconut milk is frozen, transfer it to a dedicated freezer box. Label the container and put it away in the freezer. If you’re planning to use coconut milk within three months, you may want to label the container “frozen”.
This method works well for storing coconut milk for a couple of hours or up to six months. After that time, you should consider buying a new can of coconut milk instead of reusing one.
Doing this will help reduce waste and save money.
How Long Does Frozen Canned Coconut Milk Last?
The coconut milk in a can will become stale after three days, so you’ll need to consume it within three days. After that, it starts to deteriorate.
If you’re planning to freeze your own coconut milk, then you might want to consider storing it for six months instead of just three days.
This is because once it’s been frozen, the coconut milk won’t spoil as easily.
However, you still need to consume it within six months.
How Do You Defrost Frozen Coconut Milk?
There are two ways to defrost frozen coconut milk: using a microwave or an oven.
Microwave Method
Place the container in the microwave for 2-5 minutes. Stir it every 30 seconds until all the ice cubes have melted.
Oven Method
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the container in the oven for 1 hour. Stir it every 15 minutes.
Note:
- After you’ve thawed your canned coconut milk, pour it into a clean container. You can use any jar or canister.
- Label the container with the date and the contents so you know what’s inside.
- You can enjoy this tasty treat straight away, or you can freeze it for later.
How to store canned coconut milk after opening
It is best to keep coconut milk refrigerated. Once opened, it will keep its flavor for up to three days.
However, if you plan to freeze it, then you should freeze it immediately. This way, it will remain good for up to six months.
How long can you keep opened canned coconut milk in the refrigerator?
The best thing about canned coconut milk is that it doesn’t require any preparation.
All you need to do is add some water and blend it. However, if you don’t plan on consuming it right away, then you may want to put it back in the refrigerator.
The shelf life of canned coconut milk is up to six months when stored properly at room temperature. But once it’s opened, you should use it within three days.
Different ways to freeze coconut milk:
You can freeze coconut milk in several different ways.
Here are some of them:
Freezing Unused Coconut Milk
To freeze coconut milk:
- Place it into a freezer bag. Seal the bag well so that no air gets inside.
- Label the bag with the date you froze it. Then, stick it in the freezer.
When you’re ready to use the frozen coconut milk, thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Once frozen, coconut milk can last for up to six months if stored properly.
Note: To prevent molding, always store the frozen coconut milk in the freezer.
If you plan to consume the frozen coconut milk within one month, then you should only thaw it partially. Otherwise, leave it completely frozen.
Defrost coconut milk can last for as long as nine months.
Freezing coconut milk in ice cube trays
Steps For Freezing Coconut Milk In Ice Cube Trays:
- Fill an ice tray halfway with coconut milk.
- Cover the tray with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place the tray in the freezer.
- After freezing, transfer the cubes to a storage container.
- Store the cubes in the freezer until needed.
You can now enjoy cubes of coconut milk.
Note: You can also freeze leftover milk in individual portions by placing small amounts of coconut milk in each compartment of an ice cube tray.
Freezing Coconut Milk In Ziplock Bags
Steps To Freeze Coconut Milk In Ziploc Bags:
- Add 1 cup of coconut milk to a ziplock bag.
- Squeeze out all of the air.
- Stick the bag in the freezer.
- Remove the bag when you’re ready to use it.
Alternatively, you can freeze coconut milk in a zip-top bag.
- Pour the coconut milk into the bag.
- Close the top of the bag.
- Then, stick the bag in the freezer until needed.
Freezing Coconut Milk On A Sheet Of Paper
This method works great for those who like to make their own granola bars.
Steps To Freeze leftover Coconut Milk On A Sheet Of Paper:
- First, spread leftover coconut milk onto a sheet of paper.
- Spread it evenly across the entire surface.
- Next, cover the leftover coconut milk with another piece of paper.
- Press down firmly on the two pieces of paper together.
- Finally, remove the paper.
What is coconut milk also used for?
There are many uses besides using milk for smoothies.
Here are some other options for coconut milk:
- Make your own protein shakes
- Use it instead of cream in baked goods
- Mix it with yogurt to make a creamy dessert
- Toss it with pasta and vegetables to create a delicious meal
- Make a sweet treat using coconut milk
- You can even use it to cook rice and beans
- Use milk for curries
- Use milk for cooking
Final words:
I hope this article helped you learn how to freeze coconut milk! Now that you know how to freeze coconut milk, I’m sure you’ll find plenty of new ideas for creative recipes.
Have fun experimenting with coconut milk!