Randy Chandler
Coconut milk is a popular non-dairy milk alternative with a long shelf life. Coconut milk cheese is made from coconut milk and is dairy-free and gluten-free. While coconut milk has a long shelf life, it does eventually go bad. So, does coconut milk cheese go bad? If so, how long does it last and what are the signs of spoilage?
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What You'll Learn
Coconut milk cheese shelf life
Coconut milk cheese is a dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan alternative to regular cheese. It can be made at home using a simple recipe and has a shelf life of at least 7 days in the fridge. However, it is important to note that the shelf life of coconut milk cheese may vary depending on the ingredients used and storage conditions.
When making coconut milk cheese at home, the first step is to separate the solid "cream" from the liquid coconut water in a can of well-chilled coconut milk. The solid cream is then cultured to achieve the tangy flavour characteristic of traditional cream cheese. Some people add probiotic capsules to aid the culturing process. This mixture is then placed in the fridge to process and solidify.
Once the coconut milk cheese is prepared, it should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Proper storage helps extend the shelf life of the cheese. It is recommended to consume the cheese within a week, but it may last longer depending on the specific ingredients and storage conditions.
To determine if coconut milk cheese has gone bad, you can look for certain signs. Firstly, fresh coconut milk cheese should have a smooth and creamy texture. If you notice any lumps, strange separation, or a change in texture, it is best to discard the cheese. Secondly, the colour of the cheese may provide an indication of spoilage. Coconut milk cheese is typically white, so if it turns darker or develops discolouration, it should be thrown away. Lastly, use your sense of smell to detect any off-putting or sour odours, which indicate that the cheese has spoiled.
In summary, coconut milk cheese has a shelf life of at least 7 days when stored properly in the fridge. However, it is important to regularly examine the appearance, texture, and smell of the cheese to ensure it has not gone bad before consuming it.
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Signs of spoilage
Coconut milk does go bad, and it's important to be able to recognise the signs of spoilage to avoid consuming it and risking food poisoning or an upset stomach.
Firstly, look at the coconut milk. Fresh coconut milk is white and smooth, so if it has darkened in colour or appears chunky, it has likely gone bad. If there is a strange separation that won't stir back together, this is also a sign of spoilage.
Next, smell the coconut milk. It should have a mild, neutral scent with a slight coconut fragrance. If it smells sour, rancid or otherwise unpleasant, it has probably gone bad.
You can also test the taste of the coconut milk. It should taste a bit like coconut, and it might be neutral or sweet depending on whether it is a sweetened version. If it tastes bad, do not continue drinking it.
Finally, check the texture. Coconut milk will range from watery to somewhat creamy, depending on the type. If there is any grittiness or lumps that persist after shaking the container, it has likely gone bad.
To prevent coconut milk from spoiling, store it in a tightly sealed container in the fridge, even if it is unopened. For unopened cans, store them in a cool, dry place in your pantry.
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Health implications of consuming spoiled coconut milk cheese
Coconut milk is a popular non-dairy milk alternative that is naturally lactose-free and can be used as a substitute for those with lactose intolerance. It is also often used as a base for commercially produced vegan cheese replacements.
Coconut milk has a long shelf life when unopened, but it does eventually go bad. Once opened, coconut milk should be consumed within 7-10 days for ideal freshness. Consuming spoiled coconut milk can cause digestive issues, ranging from mild stomach upset to something more severe. Food poisoning may occur, with symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
The health benefits of coconut milk include its ability to aid the body's immune system and prevent diseases. It contains antioxidants, which can help protect the body from health issues. Coconut milk also contains medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), which are rapidly metabolised into energy in the liver. MCFAs are less likely to be stored as fat and may even promote weight loss.
In addition, coconut milk can help lower cholesterol and improve blood pressure, potentially reducing the risk of heart attacks or strokes. Research has also suggested that coconut milk may have a positive impact on stomach ulcers, with one animal study finding that it reduced ulcer size as effectively as an anti-ulcer drug.
However, consuming too much coconut milk can have undesirable effects. The British Heart Foundation, for example, recommends swapping saturated fats, including coconut oil, for unsaturated varieties. Therefore, while coconut milk has various health benefits, it is important to consume it in moderation, with potential issues arising from consuming spoiled coconut milk.
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How to store coconut milk cheese
Coconut milk cheese is a dairy-free alternative to regular cream cheese. It is made by refrigerating a can of coconut milk and scooping out the solid "cream" that forms at the top. The liquid that remains can be used for smoothies or shakes.
- Coconut milk cheese should be stored in the fridge at all times.
- It can be stored in a covered container, such as a glass jar, or wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminium foil.
- It should be consumed within 7-10 days of being made.
- If you are not planning to use it within this time, it can be frozen for long-term storage.
- However, bear in mind that frozen coconut milk cheese will take on a grainy texture and lose some of its flavour when defrosted.
- To avoid food spoilage, keep the cheese in a cool, dark place such as a cupboard, pantry or microwave (with the door closed, light off, and no heat).
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Recipes with coconut milk cheese
Coconut milk is a popular non-dairy milk alternative. It is a perfect ingredient for curries, soups, smoothies, and desserts. Coconut milk cheese is also a great vegan and plant-based alternative to dairy cheese.
Coconut Milk Cheese
This cheese will slice, shred, and even melt, making it perfect for serving with crackers, on sandwiches, or in salads. It is also a great snack for kids. You can make any shape you like using cookie cutters.
Ingredients:
- Coconut milk
- Refined coconut oil
- Agar powder
- Spices and other ingredients of your choice
Kimchi Vegan Cheese
This cheese is tangy, spicy, quick, and easy. It will shred, slice, and melt, so it will work well for snacking, salads, or grilled cheese sandwiches.
Ingredients:
- Coconut milk
- Coconut oil
- Agar
- Sauerkraut or kimchi
Cream Cheese
This is a simple recipe with coconut milk and basic kitchen ingredients.
Ingredients:
- Coconut milk
- Cream cheese
- Cream of tartar
- Liquid stevia
- Egg
- Vanilla
- Coconut flakes
Coconut Yogurt Cheese
This recipe involves culturing coconut milk into coconut yogurt, blending it into nuts, culturing again for flavor, and thickening with a thickening agent.
Ingredients:
- Coconut milk
- Nuts
- Thickening agent (agar, tapioca starch, carrageenan powder, xanthan gum, etc.)
- Flavoring agents
Cream Cheese with Coconut Milk
This recipe involves making cream cheese with coconut milk and adding other ingredients to flavor it.
Ingredients:
- Coconut milk
- Lemon juice
- Coconut butter
- Nutritional yeast
- Unprocessed salt
- Vitamin-C crystals
- Garlic
- Coconut oil
- Olive oil
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Frequently asked questions
Coconut milk cheese can last for at least 7 days in the fridge and may last longer.
Coconut milk cheese that has gone bad will smell sour and may contain mould. It may also appear chunky and darker in colour and will have started to curdle.
Drinking a small amount of coconut milk cheese after it has gone bad is unlikely to cause any serious issues. However, consuming large amounts of coconut milk cheese that has gone bad may cause symptoms similar to food poisoning, such as stomach upset or digestive discomfort.
