Boxed Coconut Milk, Aroy-D, 8.5 fl oz

Aroy-D UHT (ultra high-temperature) Coconut Milk can be used for making your favorite Thai dishes, desserts, and drinks. This type of high heat treated coconut milk is homogenous, and does not separate much, even when refrigerated. It reacts differently when cooked compared to canned coconut milk, which contains a layer of coconut cream which can be skimmed off the top when cold (which is handy when cooking many Thai dishes). Therefore when using this type of coconut milk, if coconut cream is called for in the recipe, you will also need to purchase coconut cream.

UHT is a process to preserve highly perishable milk by heating at very high temperatures to kill bacteria for a very short period of time (according to Wikipedia: 1–2 seconds, at a temperature exceeding 135°C), cooling rapidly and packaging in an aseptic package (typically a mix of paper, polyethylene [LDPE], and aluminum, with a tight polyethylene inside layer per Wikipedia). This modern process increases the shelf life to many months. Many feel that UHT is the solution to avoid the BPA which canned coconut milk may possibly contain (see the Wikipedia entry for Bishenol A). At this time there does not seem to be any published studies on what this process does to coconut milk (esp. nutritionally), but it definitely changes the consistency of the milk (therefore also buy coconut cream if called for in your recipe). Note also that though you may store UHT products for a long time the sweetness, flavor and overall quality will decline as the expiration date is reached.

UHT cartons are recyclable in the USA in some areas. If you are unable to recycle these type of cartons in your area, there are ways to reduce your use of them. Start by reducing consumption by selecting the largest carton available rather than multiple small ones. Another idea, to reuse this type of container, is to grow plant seedlings or use for molds.

This type of coconut milk is shelf stable and will last up to one year at room temperature. Once opened it needs to be refrigerated or frozen to keep. It is 100% coconut milk with no preseravatives added.

Also see: Aroy-D Coconut Milk, Large Box; Aroy-D Coconut Cream; Kara Coconut Cream, Large Box; Kara Coconut Cream, Small Box and Fresh Coconuts for making coconut milk.