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If you've ever opened a fresh coconut, you will have seen the thin, opaque almost clear coconut juice or water which has a slight almond flavor. Contrary to popular belief, this is not the coconut milk.

However, the coconut water is consumed as a drink fresh from the coconut by many, and it can also be used in recipes.

Coconut milk is actually a combination of equal parts of shredded coconut and water, simmered and then strained through cheesecloth, squeezing out as much of the essence of the pulp as possible.

You can find canned coconut milk and cream in most markets along with canned fruit juices or try your hand at making your own.

Do not confuse sweetened "cream of coconut" (used for desserts and mixed drinks) with unsweetened coconut milk or cream.

Tags:  coconut cream water fresh canned possible markets essence squeezing strained