Can you freeze Coconut Milk? (+2 easy ways)

In this brief guide, we will address the question, “Can you freeze coconut milk ” as well as other related questions pertaining to the subject at hand like what are the changes that coconut milk may undergo during storage, different ways to freeze coconut milk and different usage of coconut milk.

Can you freeze coconut Milk?

Yes, you can freeze coconut milk, though it is not preferable as it can be stored in canned form or in sealed cartons with a shelf life of several months to years. Powdered coconut milk also serves the purpose if it is unopened and kept in ideal storage conditions.

Opened coconut milk needs refrigerator storage and will be safe for consumption for about a week, but if you want to extend the shelf life for a longer duration, freezing is the correct option.  

Thawed coconut milk has a shorter storage life than fresh coconut milk, therefore extra care is required for microbiological safety of thawed coconut milk.

You should always thaw coconut milk in the refrigerator. Never thaw coconut milk at room temperature since thawing at room temperature accelerates the spoilage rate.

Organoleptic changes during the storage of almond milk

It is not recommended to freeze coconut milk because it separates – the cream comes on the surface whereas the coconut water settles at the bottom. This makes it less appealing and less attractive. Ice crystals formed during the process break the structure of milk. This separation results in noticeable change in texture and affects its consistency. Phase separation of the fat layer justifies the color and flavor change in the coconut milk.

Separation does not mean that the coconut milk goes bad, this separation is mitigated by blending technique, as vigorous shaking reverses these effects and helps the lipids, proteins, and other components re-suspend in the water phase and any yellowness should disappear after the milk has been well-blended to re-incorporate lipids. The shelf life of thawed and refrigerated coconut milk reduces to 3- 5 days at refrigerated temperature.

2 easy ways to freeze coconut milk

Coconut milk brands are pretty much against the freezing of their product. It is because freeing causes irregular separation and reduces the consistency of the product just like the almond milk, but coconut milk looks better than almond milk upon thawing and can be used after blending.

There are two most common ways to freeze coconut milk

1.      Freezing coconut milk in ice cubes

2.      Freezing coconut milk in container

Freezing coconut milk in ice cubes

Pour the coconut milk in ice cube trays and put them in a freezer overnight, once they freeze, you may transfer the coconut milk cubes in a plastic bag. Cubes can thaw easily and are used as much as needed in preparing different recipes.

Freezing coconut milk in container

Pour the milk in an airtight container to minimize oxygen exposure. Leave headspace in the container because the water content of coconut milk expands during the freezing process and this may cause the container to burst open or deform in the process.

How to thaw coconut milk

The most common ways to thaw or defrost the frozen coconut milk are;

1.       At refrigeration temperature

2.       At warm temperature (lukewarm water)

Recommended or safe method to thaw coconut milk is at refrigerator temperature (In Fridge) though it might take a little longer time depending upon the milk quantity. Frozen coconut milk can be defrosted by putting containers in Lukewarm water or directly by cooking depends upon the end product or its usage.

Note: Never refreeze the thawed coconut milk.

Uses for frozen almond milk

• Thawed coconut milk is used to make soups, stews, curry and sauces. By cooking textural changes will not be noticeable.
•  Frozen almond milk is used to make coffee creamer and imparts nutty flavor to it when slightly heat it, this encourages the recombination of ingredients and improves any texture imperfections.
• It is used to make smoothies and shakes.

Summary

Coconut milk is a healthy and nutritious alternative to dairy enriched with Fat, vitamins and antioxidants. Freezing the coconut milk affects its organoleptic properties mainly texture and flavor up to some extent but blending the milk before using ensures its possible original characteristics.

Frozen coconut milk makes the best smoothies, ice creams and shakes, it is recommended for baking and it is also used in coffees to enhance its flavor and this blend is also nutritionally healthy. I hope this article helped you, if you have your own little tips for freezing or storing coconut milk or its uses. Please feel free to reach out to us!

Conclusion

In this brief guide, we have addressed the question, “Can you freeze coconut milk ” as well as other related questions pertaining to the subject at hand like what are the changes coconut milk may undergo during storage, different ways to freeze coconut milk and different usage of coconut milk.

References

https://www.canyoufreezethis.com/freeze-coconut-milk/

https://www.myrecipes.com/how-to/cooking-questions/can-you-freeze-coconut-milk