Desiccated Coconut Styles: Which One Do You Know?
You can find different types of desiccated coconut sold and used around the globe. However, the availability of this kind of coconut product may vary. It will highly depend on the region where the customers are shopping, including any coconut product Indonesia as one of the prominent suppliers.
Grated and dried with a maximum of 3% moisture, desiccated coconut is often the best option for biscuits, cakes, baked slices, and savory dishes. Or else, sprinkle them atop your favorite sweet treats.
Still, if your recipes call for dried coconut, which one will you choose? Let’s learn more here.
Based on the Texture
Based on the texture, you will mostly find the following desiccated coconut styles, such as
- finely ground (practically flour or like fresh snowfall)
- flaked
- grated
- shredded, or
- processed into granules or even chips
The so-called shredded and flaked coconut is quite different as both preserve more moisture (compared to desiccated coconut) and have larger grated pieces.
In the market, including coconut product Indonesia, many suppliers usually use terms like fine and medium grades. It specifically relates to the cutting size, where the grade usually has a smaller particle size than the medium.
Plain vs. Being Added with Anything
Common desiccated coconut is mostly unsweetened or plain without being added to anything. Some use occasional sort of preservatives to lengthen their shelf life. You can find these unsweetened products in powdery style, grinding the dried shredded coconut. Still, there are also coarser styles of shredded and flaked coconut.
Somewhat drier and chewier, unsweetened desiccated coconut works best for sweet and savory recipes.
Meanwhile, some desiccated coconut products have additional sweeteners, colors, or flavorings. Therefore, you need to check the label before buying.
High vs. Low Fat
The market value of desiccated coconut is surprising from its fat content. Common categories of desiccated coconut you can find on the market are high-fat (full fat) and low-fat (reduced fat). Some even differentiate between reduced and low fat.
A high-fat desiccated coconut will have over 60% of the fat, minimum. Lesser than the amount, it is reduced fat (over 50% fat) and low fat (below 50% of fat).
Are you cooking with desiccated coconut? So, what type should I choose? That will highly depend on your recipe and personal preference. Read the label for further information, whether you want fine grade, unsweetened, or reduced fat. Or else, check out more coconut-based items, including some coconut product Indonesia suppliers.
