Homemade Desiccated Coconut Recipe
This Homemade Desiccated Coconut recipe guides you to create perfectly dry and finely grated coconut using fresh coconut and a low-temperature baking method. Ideal for baking, cooking, or garnish, this homemade version is fresher and free of additives compared to store-bought options.
- Author: nova
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1 to 1.25 cups desiccated coconut 1x
- Category: Ingredient Preparation
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh coconut, grated
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 100°C (200°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set it aside to ensure the coconut doesn’t stick during drying.
- Blend Coconut: Place the grated fresh coconut into a blender and pulse several times until the coconut is fine and evenly ground. Avoid over-blending to prevent turning it into coconut milk.
- Spread and Bake: Spread the blended coconut evenly in a single layer on the prepared baking tray. Place the tray inside the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes at low heat.
- Mix Regularly: Every 5 minutes, carefully remove the tray from the oven and stir the coconut to ensure even drying, then return it to bake. This process allows moisture to evaporate gradually, preventing burning.
- Check Dryness: After 20 to 25 minutes, check the coconut’s texture. If it still retains moisture, continue baking for additional increments of 5 minutes until the coconut is completely dry.
- Cool and Store: Once dry, remove the tray from the oven and allow the desiccated coconut to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Ensure the oven temperature is low to prevent browning or burning the coconut.
- Stirring the coconut every 5 minutes helps achieve even drying.
- The desiccated coconut can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks refrigerated.
- If you want a finer texture, pulse the grated coconut more in the blender but avoid crushing it into a paste.
- This method preserves the natural flavor and sweetness of fresh coconut without added preservatives.
Keywords: desiccated coconut, homemade desiccated coconut, fresh coconut, drying coconut, baking coconut, coconut recipe