Coconut has long been a staple food in many parts of Asia and the Pacific Islands. One of its most popular processed forms is desiccated coconut—the dehydrated, shredded flesh of the coconut. It serves as a convenient substitute for fresh grated coconut and is widely used in various food preparations, including curries, cakes, sweets, and chutneys.
Uses of Desiccated Coconut
The primary consumers of desiccated coconut are the confectionery and bakery industries, where it is a key ingredient in:
Cakes & Pastries – Adds texture and flavor
Sweets & Desserts – Used in puddings, candies, and truffles
Savory Dishes – Enhances curries and chutneys
Snack Bars & Cereals – A common ingredient in granola and health bars
How to Make Desiccated Coconut
1️⃣ Preparation of Coconut Kernels
- Dehusking & Deshelling – Fresh, mature coconuts are manually dehusked and deshelled using hand tools.
- Paring – The brown testa (outer skin) is scraped off using paring knives or scrapers.
2️⃣ Cutting, Draining & Washing
- The pared coconut balls are cut open, and the coconut water is drained.
- They are thoroughly washed in fresh water to remove any residual sugars.
3️⃣ Grinding & Blanching
- The cleaned coconut is ground into a fine mass using hammer mills or pin mills.
- It is then blanched with live steam for about 20 minutes to reduce microbial counts.
4️⃣ Drying Process
- The blanched coconut is dried in a hot air dryer at 80-90°C for approximately 10 hours until the moisture content is below 3%.
- The dryer consists of a series of trays where hot air is blown through blowers to ensure even drying.
5️⃣ Quality Testing & Packaging
- The dried coconut is tested for moisture content, free fatty acid levels, and microbiological safety.
- Once it meets quality standards, it is packaged in polythene pouches for storage and distribution.
Conclusion
Desiccated coconut is a highly versatile product with a long shelf life, making it a valuable ingredient in both home cooking and commercial food production. Whether you’re a baker, confectioner, or home cook, this coconut-based ingredient provides a rich, natural flavor and is an excellent alternative to fresh coconut.
Source: Coconut Processing Technology – coconutboard.nic.in
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