Is coconut a fruit or a vegetable?

It turns out that people have a ‘bunch’ of coconut-related questions. We get it: coconuts are tasty, reminiscent of a tropical island, and one of the cutest emojis around. 

And we couldn’t think of anything more fun than answering questions related to fruit and veggies – which leads us to… 

Is coconut a fruit or vegetable?

Wondering whether coconut is a fruit, a vegetable or a nut? You may be surprised to find out that coconut isn’t a nut at all: it’s actually a fruit.

A ‘drupe’ to be more precise. And, just to complicate things, it’s also a seed. Regardless, it’s definitely not a vegetable.

Can you freeze coconut milk?

Sure, but not in the can. Just be aware that frozen coconut milk may separate a bit or become runnier when it defrosts, but it still tastes the same. Ideally, store in the freezer for no longer than 3 months. 

Food safety note: remember to always freeze things in a clean, airtight container! 

Is coconut a fruit or vegetable? It’s actually a fruit.

How long does coconut milk last in the fridge?

This is actually a pretty tricky question, as so many factors can affect the safe longevity of coconut milk. The best way to determine how long to store your coconut milk is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the packet. 

Storage note: clean, airtight containers are also the key to keeping your opened, refrigerated goods fresh for longer. 

Can you freeze coconut cream?

Another yes here: freezing things is a well-known way to cut down on food waste and elongate a food’s shelf-life. As with anything though, it needs to be in good condition before you pop it in the freezer. And as with coconut milk, be aware that it may separate and have a different consistency when defrosted.

Again, good food practice is the key to safely freezing foods. 

You should be able to use coconut cream instead of coconut milk in many recipes. Just mix it with water first.

What’s the difference between coconut milk and coconut cream?

The difference between coconut milk and coconut cream is basically the same as the difference between dairy milk and dairy cream. Coconut cream is thicker and higher in carbs and sugar, so it has a creamier texture. 

Can I use coconut cream instead of coconut milk?

Whoops - you bought the wrong thing accidentally! Don’t worry, we’ve all done it. Yes, you should be able to use coconut cream instead of coconut milk in many recipes. Just mix it with water first to get it to a thinner, more milky consistency. 

Related:

• It’s time to talk about peanut butter
• Is this a vegetable? 
• Food safety tips for leftover veggies 

Reviewed by the healthylife Advisory Board August 2021.