We've praised the merits of the coconut palm before and it looks like we're not ready to stop just yet! The king of tropical trees offers a paradise of culinary possibilities. And we have another tasty coconut product to add to the impressive list: coconut nectar.
minimally processed
Coconut nectar is the delicious syrup, derived from the sap of the flowers of the coconut palm. When dehydrated into granules, it becomes coconut sugar, but as a liquid it is comparable to maple syrup or agave.
Coconut nectar is natural and minimally processed. It is heated just slightly to reduce it to a thicker texture and prevent fermentation, but not so much to produce high levels of fructose.
Rich in minerals and low glycemic
This process without additives or chemicals preserves most of the nutrients provided by the coconut palm. Coconut nectar is rich in minerals such as magnesium, potassium, zinc, and iron, and also contains amino acids, vitamin C, and broad-spectrum B vitamins.
Coconut nectar also has a low glycemic index of 35 (compared to 42 for agave, 58 for honey, and 63 for cane sugar), making it a possibly safer alternative for diabetics or anyone person who wants to maintain more consistent blood sugar levels. The lower glycemic index also means that when used in place of other sweeteners, you're likely to feel full longer, which can help with weight management and prevent the endless roller coaster of energy spikes and crashes.
Does it taste like coconut?
Surprisingly, coconut nectar doesn't taste like coconut at all, making it a super versatile ingredient for baking, cooking, and drizzling. With a unique earthy sweetness, you can use it anywhere you would use any other liquid sweetener. Try it on pancakes, oatmeal, or toast; add it to coffee, tea or smoothies. Be creative. We love using coconut nectar in our cookies, for the moisture it provides, resulting in deliciously chewy cookies that stay softer for longer.
Enjoy in moderation
Of course, as we always say, all things sweet should be enjoyed in moderation. But coconut nectar is certainly a healthier, more sustainable, and natural alternative to table sugar and other processed sweeteners.
Gluten-free, dairy-free, preservative-free, and vegan, coconut nectar is a 100% pure whole food that we can definitely get behind. It doesn't look like the powerful and multifaceted coconut palm is going to give up his reign as king for a long time.