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Coconut Milk
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An Introduction
Hazelnuts are a favorite among food scientists and product development specialists because of their distinct flavor and satisfying crunch. Hazelnuts, with their exotic, European perception and with the increasing consumer trend for upscale, unique products, consumers have shown hazelnuts to be perceived as special and indulgent. Romantic, benign and versatile hazelnuts are a perfect complement to any number of food products and menu items. Hazelnuts are typically produced in large quantities and are of uncompromising quality to meet burgeoning global demand. When compared to other popular nuts, hazelnuts are typically competitively priced.
What is a Hazelnut?
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Hazelnut is also called filbert. It is the edible nut of a hazel, having a hard smooth brown shell. These nuts grow in bunch on the tree in temperate zones around the world. The fuzzy outer husk opens as the nut ripens, revealing a hard, smooth shell.
Hazel nut is cultivated in orchards in Europe, Turkey, Iran and Caucasus. In fact, the name "hazelnut" applies to the nuts of any of the species of the genus Corylus. This hazelnut or cobnut, the kernel of the seed, is edible and used raw or roasted, or ground into a paste. The seed has a thin, dark brown skin which has a bitter flavor and is sometimes removed before cooking. |
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Etymological Background of the word Filbert
Apparently the word 'filbert' has been derived from Middle English which in turn was a derivation of Philbert - the Saint Philibert, whose feast day in late August coincides with the ripening of the nut. Others believe that the term filbert came from the nut’s long husk being referred to as a “full beard” in Old English.
A Brief Historical Background
- Hazelnuts have been a part of the nourishment for 5000 years. Ancient lore has it that hazelnuts held the cure for everything from baldness to tummy aches.
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- A manuscript found in China that dates back to 2,838 B.C. mentions hazelnuts as one of the "five sacred nourishments" bequeathed on humans.
- In Roman legend, the god Mercury carried a staff made of a filbert tree.
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Popular Uses
In the USA, hazelnut butter is being encouraged as a more nutritious option to peanut butter , though it has a higher fat content. In Austria and especially in Vienna hazelnut paste is a prominent component in the world famous torts (such as Viennese hazelnut tort). Vodka-based Hazelnut liqueurs, such as Frangelico, are also increasing in esteem, especially in the U.S. and eastern Europe.
Hazelnut is favored as a coffee flavoring, especially in the form of Hazelnut latte. Hazelnut-flavored coffee seems (to many users) to be slightly sweetened and less acidic, even though the nut is low in natural saccharides. The reason for such perception is not yet understood, but might be due to synergistic interaction with components of coffee. |
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Since the ancient times the chefs in Southeast Asia and India have extensively depended on the versatility of coconut milk, using it in everything from spicy curries to savory soups. Latin cooks also reach for it; it's a soothing antidote to a chile's heat. Even it is an important aspect of the African and Hawain cuisine. Many oriental eateries offer coconut chicken or shrimp on the menu, and coconut milk soup is a |
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gourmet treat. Two very popular recipes of our times are as follows:-
Virgin Colada
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 cup crushed pineapple fruit
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 2 tbs lime juice
- Ice, crushed or cubed
- Add all ingredients into a blender and puree until everything is mixed and slushy
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Coconut Milk Based Chicken Curry/Thai Chicken Curry
- Ingredients
- 1 cup chicken breast
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 2 tbsp green curry paste
- 1 cup sweet peas
- 2 green chilies, cut lengthwise
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Method
- Slice chicken into strips or cubes, depending on you own preference
- Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet
- Stir-fry green curry paste for about one minute to flavour the oil
- Add chicken pieces and fish sauce. Stir fry until chicken is cooked through
- Add coconut milk and bring to a simmering boil. Add peas and chilies. Cook for 3 to 5 more minutes
- Remove from heat and serve over rice.
Use of Coconut Milk for Beautiful Skin
Coconut Milk for a more smooth, supple, healthy and radiant skin. Make it a regular practice.
Use of coconut milk is recommended for sensitive skin in particular - it is abundant with natural antiseptic fatty acids that gently removes impurities without drying the skin especially when one has sensitive skin.
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