Delicious Coconut Related Foods
Coconuts are ubiquitous in Jamaica. I love the taste of coconuts. Coconuts can be eaten raw, baked or cooked. Fortunately, in some countries, especially in Jamaica, many snacks and foods are prepared with coconuts. In this article I’ll focus on a few of the the foods and snacks prepared with coconuts. Many coconut snacks and coconut related foods can be found in local stores in Jamaica, you can also find some of these snacks (and coconut related foods) in Caribbean stores which are springing up in many countries worldwide or you could try to find the recipe online and then try to prepare the snacks yourself.
Coconut Water
Coconuts directly from the tree contain a husk. After the husk is chopped off a brown shell is exposed. The coconut is inside the brown shell. The coconut within the shell, is white in color and, is sometimes called the pulp. Within that brown husk and protecting the coconut is a fluid. This fluid is called coconut water. Coconut water is a refreshing, natural beverage and people usually drink it straight from the coconut (with a straw or by pouring it into a glass).
Coconut Pulp
Coconut pulp is edible. You can eat it with a spoon. Some people like to sweeten the pulp by sprinkling a little sugar on it. When the coconut is mature the pulp toughens or hardens. The toughened pulp can also be eaten (but not with a spoon) by cutting it with a knife.
Coconut Cream
Coconut cream is processed pulp. The conditioned pulp is called coconut cream and it is used for cooking. Instead of using water to cook rice, Jamaicans often use coconut cream. This gives the rice a distinct flavor and a rich taste. Coconut cream is a solid. The solid (coconut cream) can usually be found in the refrigerated food section of your local supermarket.
Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is made by a similar process as used to make coconut cream. However, coconut milk is not refrigerated and it stays in the liquid form. Coconut milk is also used to cook rice. Coconut milk is often sold as a can-good and, can be found on the shelves of your local Caribbean supermarket.
Coconut Oil
Boiling through a special process causes the coconut to release oil. This oil is often used in food flavorings and for baking or cooking. Coconut oil can be purchased in many supermarkets.
Drops
Drops is a Jamaican snack. It is made from chopped coconuts which is then oven baked. Often you can see chunks of coconuts sticking out of the drops; this is normal and to be expected. Drops is a delicious snack and is very popular in Jamaica.
Gizzada
Gizzada is grated coconut. Unlike “Drops” there are no chunks in gizzada. Gizzada is made by preparing a dough crust into which the grated coconut is poured and then baked. Gizzadas are also popularly sold and eaten in Jamaica.
Bulla Cake with Coconut
Bulla cake is a ginger flavored bread with a flat round shape. Bulla cake is very common in Jamaica and widely available there. Bulla made with coconut has visible signs of coconut in it (streaks of coconut) that you can bite into and taste. Unfortunately, bulla made with coconut is not very popular and is not easy to find; even in Jamaica.
This article covered a few snacks and foods prepared from coconuts. There are many other uses for coconuts. Some uses are culinary (food related) while others are non-food related.
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I write about travel, culture and language. Learn to speak Jamaican language http://www.speakingjamaican.com |