Desiccated coconut is used commonly in various industries like confectionery and bakery products, frozen foods, food service and consumer products. Desiccated coconut is a coconut product that is prepared and preserved by removing the natural moisture in the coconut fruit. Desiccated coconut usually contains about 3% of moisture. Desiccated coconut is produced from the white part of fresh, mature coconut kernel. The white part is disintegrated or shredded into desired sizes such as flakes, granules, chips or shreds. Then it is dried in hot air at 50-55 degree centigrade. It is available in toasted, sweetened or sweetened toasted forms. It also comes in two variations such as low fat (maximum 50% fat) and high fat (minimum 60% fat). Desiccated coconut is available in a number of stores and grocery shops in the market. However, you can make it at home on your own. Follow these instructions to make desiccated coconut.
You will require:
Bag of shredded coconut or 1 fresh coconut
Fine grater
Baking sheet
Bowl
Spoon
Oven
Preparation:
If you have a bag of shredded coconut, then you can directly start making desiccated coconut. If you have a fresh coconut, then you will have to prepare the coconut before drying it. Break a fresh coconut into half. Remove its husk and pour out the coconut water. Using the fine grater, grate or shred the coconut to get small flakes.
Place the shredded coconut onto a baking sheet. You should spread a thin layer of loosely stacked coconut on the sheet. Avoid clumping together, as it will prevent coconut from drying.
Heat the oven to 250°F (120 C). Place the baking sheet with coconut inside the oven. Bake over low heat for about 5-10 minutes. The duration required for dehydration depends on moisture content of the coconut and the size of grated coconut shreds. During dehydration process, you need to pay attention and check the status of the coconut frequently. Once the coconut is dried completely, it is brittle to touch instead of creamy. Then remove it from the oven.
Transfer the coconut to a bowl. If you require a fine coconut powder for some particular recipes, then crush the coconut shreds using a spoon against the side of the bowl. Or you can grind the dried coconut in a food processor to obtain a coarse or fine powder.
Desiccated coconut is the best way to get all the nutritional benefits of coconut all year round. So make various delightful recipes using desiccated coconut and enjoy the goodness of coconut!
FAQs
Desiccated coconut is produced from the white part of fresh, mature coconut kernel. The white part is disintegrated or shredded into desired sizes such as flakes, granules, chips or shreds. Then it is dried in hot air at 50-55 degree centigrade.
How do you moisten dessicated coconut? ›
To go from desiccated to fresh, simply pour enough warm water (not boiling) over it to cover by 1cm in a heat proof bowl. Rub it between your hands for 20 seconds to speed up the absorption, then cover the bowl with clingfilm and leave to “absorb” for an hour.
Should I soak desiccated coconut? ›
You would want to hydrate it even just a bit cause it will suck up moisture from your batter, making sponge dry and ending up with very dry coconuts as well.
What's the difference between shredded coconut and desiccated coconut? ›
Shredded Coconut: What's the Difference? The main difference between shredded and desiccated coconut is the texture. Desiccated coconut has a fine texture, while shredded coconut has a larger particle size, like shredded cheese, instead of finely grated cheese.
How do you increase the shelf life of desiccated coconut? ›
Use dry spoon only. Store it in dry , cool place after opening the pack. Storing in refrigerator will increase the the shelf life.
Should desiccated coconut be refrigerated? ›
Nutrition Information. Store in an airtight glass container in a cool and dry location that is void from direct sunlight. Refrigeration recommended in warm climates. This will last up to 12 months when stored correctly.
How to use desiccated coconut? ›
Check out our top eight ways to use desiccated coconut – including a handy how to guide in making coconut milk!
- 1) Coconutty Krishna Balls. ...
- 2) Polenta cake. ...
- 3) Sweet Coconut Swirl. ...
- 4) Goji Granola. ...
- 5) Overnight Oatmeal (via kitchenconfidante.com) ...
- 6) Homemade coconut milk! ( ...
- 7) Kale Mallung (via fussfreecooking.com)
The manganese and copper contained within desiccated coconut works to help produce healthy amounts of collagen, a key chemical in keep your connective tissues strong. It is also a great source of dietary fibre, an essential part of every diet as part of maintaining your health.
How do you process desiccated coconut? ›
Desiccated coconut is produced from drying out shredded coconut kernels obtained from fully mature coconuts. The process of manufacturing the product involves shredding of the coconut meat and then drying it (mostly) in a hot oven or an air drying machine for about 50 to 60 degree Celsius.
Does dessicated coconut taste like coconut? ›
Desiccated Coconut is also made from the grated flesh of the coconut, however, it is grated more finely and more evenly dried, leaving almost no moisture. Therefore, desiccated coconut has smaller, finer flecks, with less flavor than shredded coconut.
If the coconut flakes have a rancid or sour smell or have an off or bitter taste, these are clear indications that they have gone bad. Unless you have toasted coconut flakes, they should not be yellow or brown in color. If they are, and they were white when you first bought them, it's best not to eat them.
Can desiccated coconut be eaten raw? ›
Mainly grown within the Pacific regions, coconuts are distributed and known around the world. The nut can be eaten raw or cooked, often as desiccated, shredded coconut.
Can dogs eat coconut? ›
The short answer is yes! Coconut meat is just as healthy, if not more so, than the coconut oil alone. They share similar properties since they come from the same place. Coconut is non-toxic to dogs, but it does contain medium-chain triglycerides, which may cause some gastrointestinal upset and bloating.
Can you freeze desiccated coconut? ›
If you have a large quantity of desiccated coconut or plan to store it for an extended period, freezing is an excellent option. Divide the coconut into small portions, seal them in airtight bags, and place them in the freezer.
How to make coconut water from desiccated coconut? ›
Combine 1 part coconut and 2 parts hot water. Let sit for 10 minutes or so, whir in a blender, strain, enjoy. If you feel more energetic, you can also make coconut milk from a whole coconut. My daughter posted that on her blog several years ago.
What is the moisture of desiccated coconut? ›
Desiccated coconut is the disintegrated, white kernel of coconut processed under strict hygienic conditions and dried to a moisture content of below 3.0 per cent.
