Desiccated coconut is obtained from grated mature coconut fresh meat without any additional materials and dried hygienically. Then, dried coconut is grinded and sifted according the needs. The process of drying is done at about 50-60°C.
Desiccated coconut is completely unsweateaned and usually has moisture content retained below 3%. It is important for desiccated coconut to be dry in order to keep the shelf life is longer. A good quality of desiccated coconut has characteristics of clean white colour, aroma of coconut, spotless or free from other foreign objects.
Desiccated coconut is usually used in food industries. It can be mixed with other food ingredients in order to add or strengthen the taste, such as ingredient additional of biscuit, cookies, confection, etc. For the other usage, desiccated coconut can be processed to become various of edible products, for example coconut powder, coconut cream, sweetened coconut, coconut chips, and many more.
Desiccated coconut is distinguished based on 2 kinds of specification. The first one is based on the smoothness size which consist of extra fine grade, fine grade, and medium grade. The particles of extra fine grade is very smooth, fine grade is smooth, and medium grade is rough.
The second kind of specification is based on the fat content, that is high fat desiccated coconut and low fat desiccated coconut. High fat desiccated coconut contains of more than 60% of coconut oil, while low fat desiccated coconut is under it. Although containing high fat, it is type of healthy fat which will not increase cholesterol. So, desiccated coconut is safe and healthy to be consumed normally.
For dietary needs, consuming desiccated coconut could be a good choice. Desiccated coconut contains dietary fiber which is very needed for body because it will keep stomach is full longer and reducing apetite to eat more after meals, and maintaining the digestive tract flowing by keeping bowel movements soft and regular.
