Coconut Butter use

The Amazing Wonder of Coconut Butter (And How to Actually Use It)

If you’re anywhere near the health food or fitness circles, you’ve no doubt heard of coconut oil by now.
But have you ever heard of coconut butter?
Until about a month and a half ago, I hadn’t. And oh my gosh is it good.
It tastes like the most delicious, decadent, oh-so-bad-for-you treat.
Except, it’s not. It’s actually good for you. In fact, coconut butter packs a crapload of benefits:

• It’s rich in lauric acid, which boosts immunity and destroys harmful bacteria, viruses, and funguses.
• It actually boosts your metabolism, which aids in weight loss and increases energy levels.
• It’s packed with healthy fats, so you feel full longer.
• It’s full of essential amino acids, calcium, and magnesium.

Basically, coconut butter is just plain awesome.

Coconut butter vs. coconut oil

Like me a few months ago, most people have never heard of coconut butter. But they have heard of coconut oil.
The main difference between coconut butter and coconut oil is that coconut oil is oil extracted from the coconut while coconut butter is made from the meat of the coconut, and includes actual pieces of coconut meat in it.
It’s becoming popular so more and more brands are making it, but my favorite so far is this one made by Artisana because it’s raw, organic, and incredibly delicious. Plus, it’s fairly cheap on Amazon, which is always a bonus.
Yum.

What to do with coconut butter

Wondering how to actually use coconut butter? Here are a bunch of delicious ideas for you:
1. Spoon coconut butter straight from the jar and eat it. Yes, it’s that good.
2. Melt it and pour it over a sweet potato or winter squash. Trust me on this one.
3. Use it in a curry dish or stir fry for an extra amazing flavor.
4. Add it to a smoothie like this piña colada one. This is one of my absolute favorite uses for coconut butter.
5. Spread it over toast in place of real butter and add add some almond butter for a satisfying snack.
6. Drizzle it melted over berries in a bowl for an amazing dessert.
7. Toss it with some shrimp or chicken and add some hot sauce (I haven’t tried this because I’m a vegetarian, but I’ve heard it’s pretty mouthwatering).
8. Add a spoonful to some cacao nibs for an antioxidant-bursting treat.
9. Use it in place of dairy butter in baking for a healthier fat (this tends to make baked goods a little dryer, so you’ll need to add a little more of a moist ingredient such as fruit puree or oil).
What are your favorite ways to use coconut butter?