Latik facts for kids
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| Type | Dessert topping |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Philippines |
Latík (pronounced la-TEEK) is a special ingredient from the Philippines. It's made from coconuts and used in different ways.
Sometimes, latík means a sweet, thick syrup made from coconut cream. This is like a yummy caramel sauce for desserts. Other times, latík refers to tiny, crispy bits of coconut that form when you make coconut oil. These are often sprinkled on top of desserts.
Sweet Coconut Syrup (Visayan Latik)
In the Visayan region of the Philippines, latík means 'syrup'. It can be any thick, sweet liquid, like jam.
But most often, latík means a sweet condiment made by cooking down coconut milk and sugar. It's used like a syrup on treats such as kalamay and suman.
You might hear this type of latík called "coconut caramel." There's also a product called "coconut syrup" sold in stores. But don't confuse it with coconut sugar, which comes from coconut sap.
Crispy Coconut Curds (Tagalog Latik)
In the northern Philippines, especially in Luzon, latík is made differently. To make it, coconut milk is simmered in a pan. As it cooks, it turns into coconut oil. Small, solid pieces, called "coconut curds," start to appear on top.
These little coconut curds are then fried in the coconut oil until they become golden brown and crispy. In the Visayas, these crispy bits have different names, like lunok or balutai.
These crispy latík pieces are often used as a topping. They add a delicious crunch to many Filipino desserts. Some popular dishes that use them include maja blanca, sapin-sapin, and ube halaya.
Sometimes, people confuse latík with bukayo. Bukayo is another sweet treat made from fried, caramelized coconut flesh. But latík curds are smaller and crispier.
