Coconut

Definition: Coconut trees thrive in Thailand’s tropical climate, and the Thai people have learned to make full use of this natural resource. From its fruit to its fronds, in Thailand every part of the coconut tree is of value. But in Thai cuisine, it is mainly the milk that is featured. Coconut milk is used as a sauce and thickener, or simply added in order to give a coconut flavor to soups, curries, noodles, vegetables, fish and meat dishes, as well as deserts. Though authentic Thai chefs use milk wrung out of fresh coconut flesh, canned coconut milk may be purchased as an excellent substitute. For good quality and flavor, look for ‘thick’ as opposed to ‘thin’ coconut milk (‘thick’ is obtained from a first pressing, while ‘thin’ is produced from further squeezings).