Written and Published by BMT Foods, January 31, 2023
Coconut products have gained significant popularity since coming into the mainstream in the early 2000s. From Virgin Coconut Oil to Coconut Water, coconut products have shown they are here to stay. Since the Covid pandemic started, coconut products have seen skyrocketing popularity as consumers look for products that are healthy and can improve immunity.
While most popular coconut products come from the coconut fruit itself, coconut producers are turning to a new offering: products produced from coconut sap.
What is coconut sap?
Coconut sap is a sweet liquid that is tapped from the flowers/blossom of the coconut palm by cutting the stem of the coconut flower and allowing the sap to drip into steel containers. The process of harvesting coconut sap is called tapping. Once a tree is tapped, the flower no longer produces coconuts. The nutrients that would normally go into producing coconuts can be harvested in this potent liquid form and processed into a number of products.
It is rich in minerals, amino acids, and vitamins, making it a popular and healthy ingredient in many foods and products. There are a wide range of products that are made from coconut sap, from snacks to beverages to condiments.
As a healthy ingredient, coconut sap is used to make many food products, including the three most popular: Coconut Nectar, Coconut Aminos, and Coconut Vinegar.
1. Coconut Nectar
Coconut nectar, sometimes called coconut honey, is a sweet liquid that is made by boiling down coconut sap until it is a viscous, honey-like liquid. Rather than removing all moisture from the sap and creating coconut sugar, the process of producing coconut nectar maintains a greater concentration of nutrients from the sap with a lighter taste profile. Coconut nectar is nutritious, with calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, and zinc.
It is a popular ingredient in many beverages and can be used as a natural sweetener. Coconut nectar has a sweet, yet subtle flavor and can be used to sweeten smoothies, juices, tea, and coffee. It is also a popular ingredient in many desserts, including ice cream, cakes, and pies.
2. Coconut Aminos
Coconut aminos are one of the most popular and well-known products made from coconut sap, produced by aging coconut sap with added sea salt. Coconut sap naturally ferments because of the sugar content, so coconut aminos has a color and texture similar to soy sauce but with a less pronounced flavor.
In addition to being soy and gluten-free, coconut aminos have a much-lower sodium content than actual soy sauce making it a healthier alternative to many. Like the name suggests, coconut aminos are rich in amino acids and also contain vitamins B and C, as well as other nutrients.
3. Coconut Vinegar
Coconut vinegar is a type of vinegar that is made from coconut sap. It can also be produced from coconut water with added sugar. Similar to coconut aminos, the sap is fermented and becomes alcohol and is oxidized into acetic acid by bacteria. It is a nutritious alternative to other types of vinegar, as it is rich in probiotics, vitamin C, potassium, and amino acids.
This vinegar has a mild flavor and a slightly sweet taste. It has acetic acid just like white vinegar but with a lighter taste than commercially-available white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. It can be used as a condiment or added to marinades and salad dressings. Coconut vinegar is also popularly used to make pickles and other fermented dishes.
Coconut sap is a versatile and healthy ingredient that can be used to make a wide range of products.
From snacks to beverages to condiments, there are many different products that can be made from coconut sap. BMT Foods stands ready to meet your coconut product needs. As the exclusive distributor of Chiwadi Products Co., Ltd. based in Thailand, BMT Foods offers the highest-quality coconut products. Please contact us today to learn more.
