We are coconut crazy at Bellevue Natural Health Clinic. Many of you have tried our Coconut Apple pudding/yogurt recipe. Have you ever tried Coconut Butter?
Coconut Butter is made from dried or shredded coconut and can be flavoured in many ways. We love it by the spoonful as a treat or snack, in smoothies to add some thickness, blended in coffee as a non-dairy creamer, over steamed vegetables or yams and much more!
The health benefits of coconut are far reaching but at this time of year we are in need of immune support to fight off the dreaded cold and flu! Coconut is rich in lauric acid which helps to fight off fungal, bacterial and viral infections. Lauric acid is also in high amounts in breastmilk so adding coconut to your child’s diet once they are eating solids gives them added immune support!
You may be familiar with the term MCT oil – it is gaining attention for sports nutrition and hospital feeding formulas. MCT is medium chain triglycerides – or medium chain fatty acids (MCFA). Athletes use it to help improve performance by improving energy and endurance. There is some evidence that MCT’s are thermogenic and used by the body similar to carbohydrates. Therefore they are an alternative energy source for those on a low carb or restricted carbohydrate diet.
If you want to learn more about coconut please ask us!
Experiment with making coconut butter – it’s fast and easy and can satisfy any craving!
Coconut Butter:
In a food processor or blender:
1cup shredded coconut – blend until smooth.
2 Tbsp coconut oil – slowly add while blender or processor is running.
Put in jar and keep in fridge or counter!
Vanilla Nut Coconut Butter
1 cup shredded coconut
1 cup nuts (our current favourite: pecans)
2 Tbsp coconut oil
1 Tbsp coconut nectar
1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla powder
optional: pinch of sea salt
Blend the coconut until smooth, and then add the nuts.
Add the oil, nectar and vanilla once the nuts and coconut are blended.
Put in jar and enjoy by the spoonful as a tasty treat!
These recipes are kid approved! We would love to hear how you are enjoying coconut butter and some of your favourite recipe variations.