What is Coconut Aminos and How to use it in Caribbean Cooking
It is time to learn about Coconut Aminos, how it is made, how to use it and substitutions, and where to buy it. It is considered a life-chancing condiment for food allergy sufferers.
What is Coconut Aminos
Coconut Aminos is a dark-colored sauce used to season food. It is made from the sap of the coconut plant. After extraction, the sap gets stored and ages. During this time, it ferments due to the natural sugars present within it. The final result tastes savory and not at all like coconut. (https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-coconut-aminos#1)
Health Benefits of Coconut Aminos
To date, there has not been any relevant research suggesting the health benefits of this tasty sauce. It is proven to contain less sodium than soy sauce, but it is not a low-salt food item. It may be beneficial and also not helpful to people suffering from high blood pressure. I guess that it all depends on how much and how you use it in your food.
The sauce is also allergy-friendly, soy-free, and gluten-free. It may be the perfect seasoning for people with allergies to wheat or soy.
The information above is the most relevant information available for now. So we will leave it like that and hope to find more meaningful information to share soon.
How to use Coconut Aminos in Caribbean Cuisine
Caribbean cuisine is complex. Its complexity comes from the traditions brought from many different countries. It is a fusion cuisine that encompasses African, Creole Amerindian, Cajun, Latin American. European, Indian/South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Chinese cuisines. But one thing for sure is that fresh herbs and spices are the main ingredients in most dishes.
Fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, scallions are just a few used to create delicious dishes. You will also find dried herbs and spices and the usual marinades or green seasoning blends used in most meat dishes. These blends are made in bulk and stored in the refrigerator for later use. Many Caribbean people cook a lot, so it is a way to save time when cooking many dishes.
It was only a few years ago that the use of sauces had entered our kitchen. To this day, many cooks/chefs will tell you that there is nothing better than using fresh ingredients. We understand that, but many of us use shortcuts.
Pros and cons usage in Caribbean Cuisine
Sauces most often contain lots of sodium which is not suitable for our health. Coconut Aminos are different. It is
- an all-purpose seasoning
- a great substitute for soy sauce
- a great substitute for Maggie Cubes or Chicken Bouillon Powder or Seasoning Salt
- made from coconut plant – safe for consumption
- not a good sodium alternative if you are on a no-salt diet. It is best to look for fresh ingredients, herbs, and spices that will complement your food.
The sauce is a bit sweet and has the same consistency as soy sauce. You can incorporate it into dipping sauces, marinades, salad dressings.
Caribbean green seasoning is a blend of fresh herbs, spices, lemon juice, hot pepper (optional), and other ingredients. Many people will sometimes add a seasoning salt of Maggie Bouillon – not necessary at all. It is best to create your blend without salt for flavoring consistency. Seasonings with salt, it not ideal for long-term usage. It may not help you control taste and sodium content.
Adding a seasoned condiment such as Coconut Aminos to a no salt green seasoning blend is best. You will be able to adjust the flavors as you please.
Where to buy Coconut Aminos
These days, many food markets are selling items they were not selling before. They are trying to appeal to other cultures and follow lifestyle trends. You will find it at grocery stores, large retailers, natural food stores, and online at Amazon.
Sources
- https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-coconut-aminos#2
- https://www.eatingwell.com/article/289738/what-is-coconut-aminos/
