What is Desiccated Coconut and How is it Made
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. The process is done for the purpose of removing the moisture content present in the coconut meat. In order to prolong shelf life, maximum moisture percentage should only be up to 5%. Once ready, it could then be processed again to be coarse, medium or finely graded depending on the manufacturer’s preference. It could also be in strips, chunks, shreds, granules or whatever consumer demand is to be met. The coconut should retain its white color and taste should still be sweet, also not losing the nutty flavor. Since the process should be under strict hygienic precautions, a finished desiccated coconut product should be suitable for direct human consumption.
Versions and By-Products of Desiccated Coconut
With the manufacturing process stated above, desiccated coconut could be also turned into versions and by-products. Some manufacturers produce sweetened, toasted or sweetened and toasted versions of desiccated coconut. Others also produce desiccated coconut flour. This kind of flour is a little different from the normal coconut flour available in groceries. Coconut flour is produced from the pulp of coconut meat used for the process of producing coconut milk. The process includes soaking coconut meat in hot water and squeezing out the liquids, then the dried pulp is processed to be turned into flour. Desiccated coconut flour is finely grained flour produced after the process of dehydration. It’s like a powdered version of desiccated coconut and it is said that the moisture content is still higher than regular coconut flour due to the differences in how they are made. Some consumers prefer desiccated coconut flour over the normal coconut flour as it tastes better due to its moisture content.
Nutritional Value and Health Benefits
Desiccated coconut along with all coconut products are very rich in nutrients. These nutrients that are essential to our bodies include fiber, iron, potassium, carbohydrates, protein and calories to name a few. It also contains sugar and saturated fat that gives positive effects for the body. Since it contains a significant amount of fiber, it helps a lot in the body’s metabolism process which keeps people feeling fuller for a longer time. Fiber also supports in maintaining a healthy level of gut bacteria inside the body that helps fight the risk for heart disease and diabetes. Its high iron content could also help in preventing anemia. Furthermore, several rare nutrients such as phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, copper and zinc are also found in desiccated coconut. This being said, it is more and more advisable to always incorporate desiccated coconut when preparing regular meals as the health advantages it brings to the body are massive.
Common Uses on Food Recipes
Most people use desiccated coconut in desserts and baked goods. Aside from sprinkling it when preparing sweets, it could also be used as a smoothie thickening aide. When baking, most people also prefer using desiccated coconut or desiccated coconut flour as it is proven to be healthier than other kinds of flour in the market. In recent years, baked goods made from coconut products are becoming a food fad especially to people keeping healthier lifestyles. Most keto diet recipes are now using coconut products as an alternative to the usual baking ingredients. In some countries especially in Asia where plenty of coconut trees are available, desiccated coconut is used as a usual ingredient in preparing traditional dishes. May it be a soup, fried dish, salads, curry or any other type of meal, a dash of desiccated coconut is a sure yes because of its irresistible nutty flavor.