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SMART SHOPPING: Coconut Milk

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Coconut milk is not the thin liquid found inside the coconut itself (that is called coconut water). Coconut milk is made by steeping equal parts shredded coconut meat in either warm milk or water. The meat is pressed or mashed to release as much liquid as possible, the mixture is strained, and the result is coconut milk. We tasted seven nationally available brands (five regular and two light) in coconut rice, a Thai-style chicken soup, chicken curry, and coconut pudding. In the savory recipes, tasters preferred Chaokoh, which boasted an incredibly smooth texture. When it came to the sweet recipes, tasters liked Ka-Me coconut milk best.