Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Review and Giveaway: Tropical Traditions Coconut Cream Concentrate CLOSED



You may recall, a few months ago, I reviewed Gold Label Organic Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) courtesy of Tropical Traditions. I had never used VCO before but since my review, it has become a staple in our household. I've used it to make homemade sugar body scrubs as well as to add a hint of sweetness to dishes like steak quesadillas and vegetable stir fry. So, when I was offered a second review opportunity on behalf of Tropical Traditions, I couldn't pass it up.

Tropical Traditions Coconut Cream Concentrate is whole coconut meat in a concentrated form. It contains no additives whatsoever - not even water - so you are getting as much product as possible. No fillers that produce higher quantities yet lessen overall quality. Its creamy consistency is due to its naturally high fat content, which makes it a pure source of coconut oil. I know, you're probably thinking about how this is going right on your thighs and your New Year's resolution is to eat more healthy. But there are some good aspects to saturated fats. Did you know that they are actually one of the most stable fats and are not as easily oxidized as polyunsaturated fats so they have a longer shelf life? Or that VCO contains lauric acid, a crucial nutrient found in human breastmilk? Or how about that pure, dried coconut contains more fiber per gram than oat bran? True! You can find more research about coconut oil products and their fats here.

Commercial boxed or canned coconut milks (17% fat) and creams (24% fat) have one main ingredient: water. But with Tropical Traditions, you are receiving 100% pure coconut and only pure coconut. Unlike the commercial varieties that strip out the fiber of the coconut and contain additives to prevent the separation of oil from the water or to maintain the white color of the contents, Tropical Traditions' Coconut Cream Concentrate contains no additives or preservatives. As with all of their products, the Coconut Cream Concentrate from Tropical Traditions is certified organic by strict USDA standards and is not mass-produced. It is handmade by expert coconut farmers in the Philippines, without the use of pesticides or fertilizers.

I received a 32 oz. jar of Coconut Cream Concentrate to review. I wasn't sure at first how I should eat it but after browsing some recipes on the Tropical Traditions website, I found that the sky was the limit. You can mix a few teaspoons with water or juice to make a creamy coconut milk drink. Or, on a chilly day, opt to stir it into some coffee or hot cocoa with a dallop of whipped cream to top it off. You could blend it with fruit, milk and yogurt or ice for a delicious tropical smoothie. You could also mix it with ice cream or add it to pastries.

Since I have a sweet tooth, I decided to devote my jar to some holiday desserts. Due to the frigid December weather, the coconut cream concentrate had hardened and a thick layer of oil had separated on top. But I followed the instructional video below and it melted easily back into its creamy state.




Quick Chocolate Coconut Pudding
Makes: 2 servings

4 tbsp organic cocoa powder
4-6 tsp honey, or to taste
2 tbsp water
2 tsp coconut cream concentrate
2 tsp virgin coconut oil*
chopped walnuts (optional)

Mix all ingredients together until smooth. Add nuts, if desired.

*When opening a new jar of coconut cream concentrate, you can simply skim the coconut oil from the top layer before heating and mixing the contents, as in the video above.

To make fudge: Double or triple recipe, pat into a pan and chill until firm; cut into squares. Depending on the temperature of the room, let it stay at room temperature a while before serving.

(c) Tropical Traditions, Recipe submitted by Simi, Los Angeles, CA

Oh. My. Goodness. This pudding was so rich and delicious! And so fast and easy! When I first mixed together the ingredients, I thought I'd have to double it since it didn't seem like much. But it was so filling, I had trouble finishing it off myself. I needed to have my husband help me with the last few spoonfuls, to which he gladly obliged. This recipe is definitely for chocolate lovers. I would recommend using more coconut cream concentrate if you want it to taste more like coconut. I also made a batch with a dash of vanilla extract and it turned out great! Yum!



Coconut Cream Cookies
Makes: Approximately 40 cookies

1-1/2 cups Coconut Cream Concentrate, softened
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cream of tarter
1/8 tsp salt
1-1/2 cups flour

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.

Beat the coconut cream, sugar eggs and vanilla together until combined. Stir in baking soda, cream of tarter and salt. Beat in the flour.

Shape dough into balls using one tablespoon of dough per cookie.

Place on ungreased cookie sheet, about 2 inches apart. Bake in preheated oven for about 15 minutes. The sides should be set but not browned.

Remove from oven and let set on pan for 1-2 minutes before putting on racks to cool completely.

(c) Tropical Traditions, Recipe submitted by Vickie, Modesto, CA

I made these sweet little morsels on Christmas Eve. The "dough" tasted exactly like coconut cream pie but the consistency was very crumbly and difficult to mold. I had to pack it very tightly into a tablespoon for a ball shape and flatten with my palm prior to baking. But the hard work paid off in spades because these cookies were amazing! All 42 cookies disappeared at our Christmas Day dinner party and the guests raved about the taste. I even shared the recipe with 2 or 3 people. I'll definitely be making this one again, and maybe drizzle some chocolate over them. It was a real crowd pleaser.



I've also used the coconut cream concentrate as a spread on cinnamon french toast and mixed with plain cream cheese as a bagel topping. It gave my breakfast a light tropical flair. If you're adventurous enough, I'm sure you can come up with even more creative recipes.

Bottom line: I would highly recommend Tropical Traditions Coconut Cream Concentrate as an addition to your pantry, namely for use in desserts. We were able to make unique, flavorful treats to share with friends and family - if there was enough left over after our sampling to go around!

BUY IT: You can purchase Coconut Cream Concentrate directly from the Tropical Traditions website (ARV $27.00 but on sale now for $19.50).

DELECTABLE DEAL: When you place your order, make sure you choose "referred by friend" from the "How did you hear about us?" drop-down box and reference ID 5429861 to receive a complimentary copy of the book Virgin Coconut Oil: How it has changed people's lives, and how it can change yours! by Brian and Marianita Jader Shilhavy!

WIN IT: One lucky reader is going to win their own 32 oz. jar of Coconut Cream Concentrate!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Visit the Tropical Traditions website, take a look around, and let me know what other product(s) besides the coconut oil or coconut cream concentrate interests you. Easy, right?! Be sure to leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile or if you are not a blogger!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count!

1.) Follow my blog or subscribe via reader or email. Comment telling me which method you chose. If you already follow or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry)

2.) Follow me and @troptraditions on Twitter and tweet about the contest. Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry)

3.) Subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter. (2 entries!)

4.) Add my button to your site and comment with a link where I can find it. (1 entry)

5.) Enter any of my other current giveaways and leave a comment telling me which one(s) you entered. (1 entry each)

Giveaway will end on January 12, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to US and Canada. Winner will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer:
Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to facilitate my candid review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

156 comments:

Laureen said...

I'm interested in the Equal Exchange Organic Dark Chocolate. thanks!

lmarston AT yahoo DOT com

Benita said...

I'd like to try the Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Benita said...

I subscribe to the TT Newsletter. #1

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Benita said...

I subscribe to the TT Newsletter. #2

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Benita said...

I entered Putumayo Presents - A Family Christmas CD Giveaway.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

GracefilledLily said...

I would love to try the Virgin Palm Oil massage oil. I entered the PreHistine giveaway. I subscribe.
suesur at msn dot com

Christina's Cookies said...

I would love to try their Baby Silk
Moisturizing Lotion!

ccherkas AT gmail DOT com

Christina's Cookies said...

Following your blog!

ccherkas AT gmail DOT com

Christina's Cookies said...

Following you and @troptraditions on Twitter and tweeted!
http://twitter.com/mama2cookies/status/7263093493

ccherkas AT gmail DOT com

Christina's Cookies said...

Subscribes to the Tropical Traditions newsletter
#1.

ccherkas AT gmail DOT com

Christina's Cookies said...

Subscribes to the Tropical Traditions newsletter
#2.

ccherkas AT gmail DOT com

Christina's Cookies said...

I hsve your button on my blog http://mcgiveawayconnection.blogspot.com/

ccherks AT gmail DOT com

EDRing said...

I would love to try their Citrus Organic Moisturizing Cream.

Ellen
eering99@hotmail.com

demmi said...

I would love to try the organic olives
con5459(at)gmail(dot)com

cloud10277 said...

I'd like to try the Organic Skin Exfoliator

cloud10277@hotmail.com

cloud10277 said...

Entered the SmartKnitKIDS Seamless Socks giveaway

cloud10277@hotmail.com

BowieTip said...

I would like to experiment with making macaroons out of Tropical Traditions Organic Coconut Flour. Gluten free cookies!

skytoucher said...

I love macaroons and would like to try making them with the coconut flour.

llinda29 said...

I would like to try All Purpose Cleaner
Non-toxic household cleaner

Karen P said...

I think the pet shampoo looks interesting.

Miranda Ward said...

the Virgin Palm Oil massage oil

Miranda Ward said...

I follow on Google friend connect

Jessie Weaver said...

I'd love to get some of their grass-fed beef or free-range chickens!

Bacallsmom said...

The Family Grain Mill interests me. I have been thinking about getting a coffee grinder--it looks like this mill would grind coffee and do a lot more, too!

Bacallsmom said...

Following your blog on Google Friend Connect (Bacallsmom)

Bacallsmom said...

Subscribed to the Tropical Traditions newsletter.

Sue said...

I'd like to try the Organic Coconut Flakes. Thanks for the giveaway and Happy New Year!!

s.mickelson at gmail dot com

cowboyswife said...

Organic Marinades Mesquite BBQ

Elkaye said...

I'd like to try the unscented bar soap.

elkaye[at]gmail[dot]com

Elkaye said...

I follow you and Tropical Traditions on twitter and tweeted: http://twitter.com/Elkaye/status/7319023193


elkaye[at]gmail[dot]com

Elkaye said...

I'm a blog follower.


elkaye[at]gmail[dot]com

Elkaye said...

I'm a tropical traditions newsletter subscriber.


elkaye[at]gmail[dot]com

1

Elkaye said...

I'm a tropical traditions newsletter subscriber.


elkaye[at]gmail[dot]com

2

Sellswifey said...

I would like to try the Baby Silk Moisturizing Lotion! Sounds great!

Cheryl B said...

I would like to try the organic coconut peanut butter.
cln1812(at)gmail(dot)com

Cheryl B said...

email subscriber:
cln1812(at)gmail(dot)com

Cheryl B said...

follow you & @troptraditions on twitter @cln1812 & tweeted:
http://twitter.com/cln1812/status/7321762585

Cheryl B said...

subscribe to Trop. Traditions newsletter #1
cln1812(at)gmail(dot)com

Cheryl B said...

subscribe to Trop. Traditions newsletter #2
cln1812(at)gmail(dot)com

Cheryl B said...

entered MyClyns

Cheryl B said...

entered Pedia-Lax

Wehaf said...

I would love to try the Unscented
Moisturizing Lotion made with coconut oil.

urchiken at gmail dot com

Melissa said...

The Organic Coconut Peanut Butter sounds interesting!

xmeliss182x (at) yahoo (dot) com

matt4melis said...

I'd like to try the teeth cleaner and sea vegetables

matt4melis at hotmail dot com

matt4melis said...

Follow your blog

matt4melis at hotmail dot com

matt4melis said...

Follow you and @troptraditions on Twitter and tweet

http://twitter.com/matt4melis/status/7375023577

matt4melis at hotmail dot com

matt4melis said...

#1-Subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter

matt4melis at hotmail dot com

matt4melis said...

#2-Subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter

matt4melis at hotmail dot com

LibraryGirl said...

I'd like to try the Raw Honey.

angela.donner (at) gmail.com

LibraryGirl said...

I subscribe to the Tropical Traditions Newsletter #1

angela.donner (at) gmail.com

LibraryGirl said...

I subscribe to the Tropical Traditions Newsletter #2

angela.donner (at) gmail.com

Melissa said...

I would love to try this to make coconut ice cream! I'd also like to try the dried coconut flakes. Thanks for the chance to win!

Melissa said...

I subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter (#1).

Melissa said...

I subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter (#2).

Sheila said...

I subscribe to the TT newsletter! What a neat giveaway! Thanks!

Sheila said...

I just subscribed to your blog, too!

Lydia said...

I use the expeller pressed coconut oil for almost all my cooking and am about to place an order for some of the Gold Label VCO for the first time to use in my smoothies!

Lydia said...

I also just clicked through to subscribe to the blog.

Brooke said...

I would like to try the coconut flour to make cupcakes with!

Brooke said...

I subscirbe to Tropical Tradtions Newsletter!

Juanita said...

I am interested in the hair product from Tropical Traditions.

Juanita said...

I am subscribed to Tropical Traditions newsletter. Also, ty for the video demo on the coconut cream concentrate and also for the recipes.

Kinzi said...

Entry #1 - I would love to try some of the coconut oil skin care products. My e-mail address is

kinziherron(at)hotmail(dot)com

Kinzi said...

Entry #2 - I subscribed to the Tropical Traditions Newsletter.

kinziherron(at)hotmail(dot)com

Lydia said...

PS...I am subscribed to the Tropical Traditions newsletter.

And I receive your blog by email now.

Kinzi said...

Entry #3 - I subscribed to the Tropical Traditions Newsletter.

kinziherron(at)hotmail(dot)com

Lydia said...

entry #2 for TT newsletter.

bryant.lydia(at)gmail(dot)com

msrodeobrat said...

id like to try the Unscented
Moisturizing Lotion made with coconut oil.

~ Cee ~ said...

I would love to try the shredded coconut. I have seen so many recipes recently that incorporate it, and cannot find it locally. I've checked the baking aisle even without luck. Thank you for this giveaway -- it sounds DELICIOUS!! :)
ceevegnashville [at] gmail [dot] com

ms mel said...

i would enjoy trying their peanut butter, and thank you for the chance!

ranmel(at)televar(dot)com

ms mel said...

i subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter #1

ranmel(at)televar(dot)com

ms mel said...

i subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter #2

ranmel(at)televar(dot)com

Mary A said...

I would also like to try the Organic Coconut Flour. Thanks for the giveaway.
maryDOTavingerATgmailDOTcom

Tamara said...

I would love to try the Organic Coconut Peanut Butter.

Tamara said...

I subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter.

Tamara said...

Subscribed to your blog via email

Cara said...

I subscribe to their newsletter & I love their expeller pressed coconut oil.

KaliLilla.com said...

COCONUT PEANUT BUTTER IS CALLING MY NAmE!!!!! Yummmmmmmm....

Jblanton said...

I would like to try the organic raw honey

Jblanton said...

email subscriber
ejxd95@gmail.com

Jblanton said...

subscribed to tropical traditions newsletter

Anonymous said...

the honey interests me!

Anonymous said...

i sub to TT'S newsletter

orneryswife said...

I am already a subscriber to the newsletter. I would like to try coconut flour and the cream.
tm

Unknown said...

I am interested in the coconut peanut butter and the lip moisturizers.

Unknown said...

Subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter 1

Unknown said...

Subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter 2

Unknown said...

subscribe via email

Unknown said...

http://twitter.com/aitmama/status/7580036729

Unknown said...

I entered the EvoraPlus giveaway.

Laureen said...

I follow your blog.

lmarston AT yahoo DOT com

Laureen said...

I subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter. Entry #1

lmarston AT yahoo DOT com

Laureen said...

I subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter. Entry #2

lmarston AT yahoo DOT com

Laureen said...

I entered the Cheap Cookie Cutters giveaway.

lmarston AT yahoo DOT com

csue said...

The organic raw honey.

Unknown said...

I would like to try the Benefect® Botanical Disinfectant.

president(dot)peaches(at)hotmail(dot)com

saturdaynightfever said...

Organic Thick Rolled Oats!

edgenemmers@gmail.com

Bea Watson said...

Their All Purpose Cleaner, with lots of pets I like to stay non toxic : )

Vanessa said...

The organic pumpkin seeds would be fun to eat!

Outlet Babe! said...

I'd pick the Organic Coconut Flour. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

I'd like the Virgin Palm Oil
digicat{AT}sbcglobal{DOT}net

Anonymous said...

I subscribe to your blog via e-mail
digicat{AT}sbcglobal{DOT}net

Anonymous said...

I subscribe to Tropical Traditions also
digicat{AT}sbcglobal{DOT}net

angie said...

I'd like to try the organic sesame oil, too.

angie said...

tweeted
http://twitter.com/xangiepx/status/7672623870

ladcraig said...

Citrus Organic Moisturizing Cream

ladcraig at gmail dot com

angie lilly said...

I would love to try one of each flavor/scent that they carry in the Organic Lip Moisturizers! I am a lip balm junkie! LOL
Angie
one 4 earth at aol dot com

angie lilly said...

I follow your blog via google as Angie Lilly.
Angie
one 4 earth at aol dot com

angie lilly said...

I follow you both on Twitter as FotoMacro and tweeted this giveaway here: http://twitter.com/FotoMacro/status/7675024324
Angie
one 4 earth at aol dot com

angie lilly said...

I get their newsletter -1-
Angie
one 4 earth at aol dot com

angie lilly said...

I get their newsletter -2-
Angie
one 4 earth at aol dot com

Scott said...

I think the coconut chips sound neat and look like they would really give cookies and desserts some weight and great flavor too!
Scott
nynekats at aol dot com

Scott said...

following and tweeted http://twitter.com/RePurrPussed/status/7675038134
Scott
nynekats at aol dot com

Scott said...

2) getting newsletter
Scott
nynekats at aol dot com

Pamela S said...

I'd love to try some of their other organic products such as their peanut butter or organic fruit spreads. Thanks so much! pamelashockley(AT)netscape(DOT)net

Pamela S said...

Subscribed to Tropical Traditions newsletter. Thanks so much! pamelashockley(AT)netscape(DOT)net

Pamela S said...

Subscribed to Tropical traditions newsletter #2.
Thanks so much! pamelashockley(AT)netscape(DOT)net

Pamela S said...

I receive your feed with google reader. Thanks so much! pamelashockley(AT)netscape(DOT)net

Benita said...

I entered the Evora Plus Giveaway.


bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Benita said...

I entered the Zarbee's Giveaway.


bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Benita said...

Y entered Yo -Yo Ma's Songs of Joy and Peace.


bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Cal said...

I liked the Organic Liquid Soaps they have on their site.

susansmoaks said...

Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil
Certified Organic
2 quarts (64 FL. oz.)

susansmoaks said...

follower

Kathy P said...

id love to try the Powdered Laundry Detergent Environmentally Safe, Nontoxic Detergent

Kathy P said...

http://twitter.com/klp1965/status/7681555076

Kathy P said...

1 tt subscriber klp1965@myfairpoint.net

Kathy P said...

2 tt subscriber klp1965@myfairpoint.net

Gloria's Bits and Pieces said...

http://www.householdtraditions.com/laundry_detergent.htm

I like to try their powdered laundry detergent.

Gloria's Bits and Pieces said...

follow your blog as kngmckellar

Gloria's Bits and Pieces said...

http://twitter.com/kngmckellar/status/7684482348

follow both on twitter as kngmckellar and tweeted

Gloria's Bits and Pieces said...

Subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter.

#1

Gloria's Bits and Pieces said...

Subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter.

#2

brownhairgirl7 said...

I'm interested in their Organic Swiss Chocolate.

brownhairgirl7@hotmail.com

brownhairgirl7 said...

I follow your blog.

brownhairgirl7@hotmail.com

brownhairgirl7 said...

I subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter. #1

brownhairgirl7@hotmail.com

brownhairgirl7 said...

I subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter. #2

brownhairgirl7@hotmail.com

Karen said...

I'd love to try the all purpose cleaner :)

ktgonyea at gmail.com

hotrodblond said...

ORGANIC FOODS

Unknown said...

I would love to try the Bhutanese Red Rice. garrettsambo@aol.com

lilyk said...

I love the Citrus Moisturizing Cream!

lilyk said...

I subscribed to the Tropical Traditions newsletter. #1

lilyk said...

I subscribed to the Tropical Traditions newsletter. #2

cman said...

The coconut flakes :)

Nancy S. said...

I would like the shredded coconut.
ncschools at yahoo dot com

Nancy S. said...

I follow your blog with google friend.

Nancy S. said...

I subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter.
#1

Nancy S. said...

I subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter.
#2

/\Heather/\ said...

I really want to try the coconut flour!

/\Heather/\ said...

I subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter

/\Heather/\ said...

I subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter - 2

kat said...

I'd like to try the Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil.

kat_emerick@yahoo.com

thaeter7 said...

I would love to try their laundry detergent
rally_thade17@hotmail.com

thaeter7 said...

I follow on google friends
rally_thade17@hotmail.com

thaeter7 said...

I subscribe to tropical Traditions newsletter#1
rally_thade17@hotmail.com

thaeter7 said...

I subscribe to newsletter#2
rally_thade17@hotmail.com

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