Christie C. For Coconut Addicts only!
Coconut Maziwa
“Maziwa” means milk in Swahili, and is inspired by my recent and ongoing search to find recipes related to my heritage―and a casual dining experience at P.F. Chang’s! I know; the two weirdly unrelated, but I was inspired to make the drink while bringing light to Tanzania and its coconut industry and the effects of climate change.
Tanzania produces 500,000 tons of coconut yearly, but climate change, plant diseases and infestation have reduced production to the point that it receives imports from Kenya. Their government is moving to invest in coconut farmers since the industry is ultimately profitable enough to support farmers.
Coconuts, after all, can create more than just coconut milk and water, but also oil for beauty products and waxes, husks for textiles, and the shell for various manufactured products from plywood to pottery.
The drink itself is absolutely delicious and a much healthier alternative to store bought juice and soda. Make it vegan by using coconut sugar, date sugar, maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey. Experiment with other sweeteners to enhance or change the flavor! You can even spike it with coconut rum―but only if you’re of legal age!
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 Cups (800ml) Light Coconut Milk
- 5 Cups (1040ml) Coconut Water
- Maple Syrup, Agave Nectar, Coconut Sugar, or Date Sugar, to taste
- Optional Coconut Rum to taste
Instructions
-
Mix light coconut milk, coconut water, and sugar of choice with a whisk until fully dissolved.
Recipe Notes
- You can use whole coconut milk instead of light, but you'll have to chill it and strain out the coconut oil chunks. To avoid this extra step, I recommend using the light version.
- Honey can be used, but please note that it's not vegan.
References:
https://www.bbc.com/news/av/business-42111858/why-is-tanzania-importing-coconuts
http://www.vashiniexports.com/blog/main-uses-of-coconut-shells/
