How To Tell If Coconut Milk Is bad?
When you quit dairy during your beginning of a vegan lifestyle you might be worried as to how you will compensate for your nutrition which you used to get from dairy products. But as the vegan community has grown there are plenty of dairy-free milk alternatives that are available in the market.
But just buying a dairy-free milk is not enough you need to know to store the plant-based milk or how long does vegan milk last. Because lack of such knowledge would end you up drinking bad milk causing health problems or you will end up not getting enough nutrition.
In this article, we have discussed one of the most environmentally friendly milk alternative which is the coconut milk. Coconut Milk is a widely consumed replacement for dairy milk. It is prepared from fresh, white coconut meat, thus making it plant-based and vegan.
It is very versatile in cooking due to its thick and creamy texture. It’s also consumed in a regular diet of vegans.Now coming to the real head-scratcher- Can Coconut Milk go bad? Just as all dairy and non-dairy milk go unsuitable, Coconut milk also comes with an expiry date and can go bad. Don’t worry because this article has covered all your questions
How Is Coconut Milk Made?
Coconut milk is plant-based milk made with the white flesh of the mature brown coconut. Firstly the pulp of the coconut is grated. Then it is soaked and mixed with water to make it soft. Further, it is blended and churned with water in a mixer thoroughly. This mixture is then pressed and squeezed nicely to extract all its liquid.
This creamy white liquid is coconut milk. The consistency of coconut milk can be adjusted with water. Thick coconut milk has a high-fat content and less water content. It is mainly used for culinary purposes by chefs and at restaurants for cooking. It enhances the flavor and texture of the sauce, curry, and baked confectionery.
It usually comes in sealed cans. Thin Coconut milk is popular for general purposes and direct consumption by vegan and dairy-intolerant people. It can be homemade or store-bought.
Can Coconut Milk Go Bad?
Unfortunately, Yes coconut milk, whether canned, tetra-packed, or self-made, can go bad with time. The shelf life of coconut milk depends on various factors- packaging, type, and storage.
The expiration date varies from canned coconut milk to a carton of coconut milk. Coconut Milk in cans is more durable in comparison to carton packs. Unopened Cans are fresh for 2-5 years. On the other hand, unopened aseptic packs have a six to twelve months shelf life if stored correctly. Always check the expiry date before purchase.
Nevertheless, once the pack is open, the leftover milk is prone to deterioration within 7-10 days. Thick coconut milk has a longer shelf life of up to 7 to 10 days, whereas thin coconut milk can go bad within a week.
How To Tell If Coconut Milk Has Gone Bad?
Do you wonder how to know when coconut milk is bad? It does put you in a pickle. Though there is an expiry date on each pack, it’s never 100% accurate and trustworthy. Always check for indicative factors for safety. Here is a checklist of properties you should examine to tell whether coconut milk has gone bad or not.
Appearance: The most common indicator of spoiled coconut milk is mold. Molds are bacterial fungus that grows on various dairy products. If you see dirt green/black color spots build up on coconut milk, be sure that the coconut milk has gone bad. Stop using it immediately and throw it out. Curdling is also a sign of milk spoilage. Additionally, look for color changes and chunks as well.
Odour: Smell is a strong attribute to tell whether coconut milk has gone bad. Spoiled milk will have a foul, rotten, and sour smell which gets stronger. It’s a clear indication that coconut milk has lost its use.
Taste: Still unsatisfied? The last option is to taste and tell. The taste would be sour and acidic if the milk has gone bad. It’s best to discard it and purchase a fresh pack.
How Long Does Coconut Milk Last?
We have already seen the factors of milk spoilage- consistency, package, storage, and the signs of damage- molds, taste, and smell. Now how to determine the longevity of coconut milk? How long does it last after opening the can?
Once the can is open, the countdown starts. Of course, the milk won’t retain its freshness. With each day of continuous opening and use, the quality keeps degrading.
Unopened coconut milk can have a shelf life of between two to five years if stored at a suitable temperature. But once opened, the coconut milk will last for about seven to ten days. Post this, it will be unfit for consumption. Similarly, a new carton is good for up to 4 weeks if refrigerated and will last for a maximum of 7 days after opening.
How To Store Coconut Milk?
Proper storage can increase the shelf life of your coconut milk by some days and ensure it does not go bad instantly. There are certain factors you should consider while storing properly: Temperature, container, seal. Always store coconut milk cans and cartons in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
You can also refrigerate it to keep it fresh. Opened coconut milk requires mandatory refrigeration, or else it will go bad in some days. Pro tip: Freeze coconut milk as ice cubes to increase its shelf life.
You can store coconut milk in its original packaging. Alternatively, choose airtight containers to prevent any bacterial growth. Airtight sealing is very important to keep coconut milk good for up to a week.
Can You Use Expired Coconut Milk?
Commonly answering, No, Expired Coconut milk should not be used for any cooking or consumption purpose. It can result in various health issues like- diarrhea, nausea, and gastritis. It directly means challenging our health.
But under special conditions, it can still be usable. It all depends on storage.
Refrigerated unopened cans and cartons are good for use 5-7 post their expiry or best before the date. Opened Coconut milk packs stored in the coolest fridge corner can be consumed for 2-3 days maximum after it has expired. Although remember to always check its appearance, smell, and taste before consuming as spoiled coconut milk can cause severe digestive health problems.
It’s A Wrap!
Now, we are clear about coconut milk and how to know when coconut milk is bad. Coconut Milk is a milky and creamy extraction of white coconut pulp and water. It is consumed worldwide as a daily morning intake. Not only used by adults but it is also one of the popular choices of plant-based milk alternatives for babies.
Coconut milk also has a limited shelf life depending on its package style, storage, and density. Bad coconut milk has clear indicative factors which you must look for to identify its state. Bacterial growth, rancidity, and sour taste are common features of spoiled coconut milk.
Proper storage and refrigeration are key factors for longer milk usage. Cool, humid-free environment and airtight bottles are ideal for coconut milk storage. Based on storage, Expired milk may or may not be fit for drinking. Be careful and safe before consuming. It is always advised to throw out coconut milk if it has gone bad to avoid any ill effects.
