The coconut tree is known as "The Tree of Life" in the Philippines because every part of it is used for various goods in daily life. The juice, meat, and milk of both young and ripe coconuts feature heavily in our cuisine, especially in our desserts. The recipe I'm sharing with you today is a rich, delicious coconut jam, though to the Western mind it's more similar to a coconut caramel spread. It's a decadent addition to any breakfast or tea table, and is as delicious on plain toast as it is spread on pandesal (Filipino rolls), rice cakes, or between cake layers. In my book, ARSENIC AND ADOBO, it's one of the protagonist's grandmother's specialties. Hope you enjoy!
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| Coco jam on toast with a side of medium-boiled eggs splashed with soy sauce and pepper, plus a cup of tea |
Lola Flor’s Minatamis na Bao (Coconut Jam)This rich coconut caramel spread is one of Lola Flor’s specialties. It’s traditionally served with pandesal (Filipino soft bread rolls) and kakanin (Filipino sweet glutinous rice cakes) but it’s delicious in many other applications (Lila once used it to fill a layer cake!). A great way to jazz up breakfast and tea time.Yield: about 1 cupIngredients:1 can coconut milk (13.5 fl oz)⅔ cup of dark brown sugar*2 pandan leaves, tied in a bow, or 1 tsp pandan extract (optional)Instructions:Put all the ingredients in a thick-bottomed medium saucepan and bring to a boil.Once boiling, lower to a simmer and stir the contents until the sugar dissolves.Using a rubber spatula, stir the jam until it thickens to a honey-like consistency and is a lovely dark brown, about 45 minutes.** Make sure to stir the contents, scraping the bottom and sides, often so that the jam doesn’t stick to the bottom. If you want to be sure it’s done, drop a small amount into very cold water and see if it forms a soft ball.Remove from heat and pour into a clean glass jar. Allow to cool and thicken a bit more before using.*If you don’t have dark brown sugar, you can substitute the same amount of white sugar plus about 2 TBSP molasses. I actually prefer doing this because it gives a deeper flavor.**You might want to remove the pandan leaves about 30 minutes into the cook time, when the mixture is still fairly liquid. If you wait till the end, the jam clings to the leaves and you’ll lose quite a bit of it. It’s too delicious to waste!
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| Cast of Characters |
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| Add all the ingredients to a thick bottomed, medium sauce pan and bring to a boil |
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Once boiling, lower to a simmer and stir until the sugar dissolves. Continue stirring with a rubber spatula, scraping sides and bottom, until the mixture thickens to a honey-like consistency and is dark brown, roughly 45 minutes. Remove the pandan leaves.
| | Remove from heat and put in a clean glass jar. Allow to cool and thicken before using. |
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FAQs
First of all, after opening it needs to be refrigerated.
What is coconut spread in Tagalog? ›
The English word "coconut spread" can be translated as the following word in Tagalog: 1.) kalámay-hatî - a sweet delicacy made from sugar cane juice, commonly filled into a split coconut, and sometimes mixed with crushed peanuts and other flavorings; coconut jam; coconut spread; more...
What is coconut jam from Indonesia? ›
It is also called srikaya. In Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore, kaya has a creamy texture, is made from coconut milk (locally known as 'santan') and duck or chicken eggs, are flavored with pandan leaves and sweetened with sugar.
What is coconut jam made of? ›
Coconut Jam is a Filipino spread made of coconut cream and brown sugar. It's thick, perfectly sweet with a rich coconut flavor that's perfect with your favorite bread.
Do you really need to refrigerate jam after opening? ›
Sealed jars of homemade preserves can also be stored at room temperature. Once the jam or jelly is opened, however, it is best to refrigerate them. Richard explains that this prevents mold and yeast from growing. If not refrigerated, opened jams and jellies are likely to spoil quicker.
Does jam go bad if not refrigerated after opening? ›
Storing Jams and Jellies at Room Temperature
You can technically store opened jams and jellies at room temperature—but only in a cool, dark place and for about a week after opening, says Lee. Here's why: Jams and jellies have high sugar and acid levels, which protect against spoilage.
What is coconut called in Philippines? ›
The mature coconut (brown in color) is called 'niyog,' while the young coconut (green in color) is called 'buko'. And buko juice and meat is easily my favorite snack here in the Philippines.
What does buko mean in the Philippines? ›
Noun. buko (plural bukos) (Philippines) A coconut.
What is the name of coconut in Philippines? ›
Niyog / Cocos nucifera / COCONUT/ virgin coconut oil : Philippine Medicinal Herbs / Philippine Alternative Medicine.
What is coconut jam good for? ›
Contains the following nutrients: Potassium: plays a major role in maintaining normal blood pressure. Lauric Acid: contributes to an increase in healthy HDL cholesterol. Zinc: helps maintain a strong immune system.
SHELF LIFE: Guaranteed for 14 Months, but tested for 18 Months as maximum, stored in clean and dry area at room temperature. Once opened, it will last for 1 month and 2 months when refrigerated.
Why is coconut jam green? ›
Sometimes called 'Malaysian coconut egg jam' or more simply 'coconut jam', it's made from coconut cream, sugar, eggs and water, and is occasionally flavored with leaves from the pandan plant (which also turns it a bright green color!).
Why put lemon juice in homemade jam? ›
Adding acid in the form of fresh lemon or lime juice is important for two reasons: First, it makes for a more well-balanced jam, returning some of the acidity lost with the addition of sugar. Second, pectin needs acid to properly activate, or firm up.
What is a Filipino sweet spread? ›
This homestyle Coconut Jam recipe is rich, sticky-sweet, and is hands down one of the most delicious fruit preserves out there! It is made of 4 simple ingredients, that can be reduced further to just 2.
What bacteria is in homemade jam? ›
A properly prepared jam is also not terribly susceptible to contamination. Even though it's largely sugar, there's so much sugar that it "locks up" most of the available water; there's not enough free moisture for bacteria to thrive. The exception for jam is if you're canning it for storage at room temperature.
How do you store coconut jelly? ›
Shaved ice, frozen yogurt, or ice cream - Bossen's Coconut jelly works as a perfect companion. The product comes ready to serve and does not need any preparation. Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Refrigerate after opening and use within 2 weeks.
How do you store coco jam? ›
How to store Coconut Jam. If you are planning to preserve this for weeks or even months, always start by making sure to sterilize the jars you will be using. Also, remember to let the jam cool down completely before sealing them. Store them in a cool place or in the refrigerator if you plan to store them for later use.
Does milk jam need to be refrigerated? ›
Store your milk jam in your refrigerator, in a canning jar with a tight fitting lid, for up to one month.
