Desiccated coconut is a popular ingredient in many types of food, such as desserts, pastries, and even stews and soups. It is made from grated and dried coconut flesh. There are two types of desiccated coconut that people around the world use: high-fat desiccated coconut and low-fat desiccated coconut.
This article will explain the different types of desiccated coconut that people are already familiar with. So, let’s explore them below!
What is Desiccated Coconut?
Desiccated coconut is one of the essential ingredients for coconut flour used in many cooling and baking types. It is made from grated coconut after it is dried to reduce its moisture so that it lasts longer.
Coconut flour contains many nutrients, including dietary fiber, around 42 grams per 100 grams of coconut flour. This is about 15 times compared to wheat flour which is only 2.7 grams per 100 grams of wheat flour.
Besides that, another benefit is that coconut flour can control blood sugar. Research by the British Journal of Nutrition in 2003 found that adding coconut flour to food products such as cakes can lower the glycemic index. The measurement is to determine how quickly food impacts blood sugar.
This is what makes desiccated coconut very popular among those who are on a diet or are, indeed, health enthusiasts. There are 2 desiccated coconut types which you can see the explanation in the next segment.
Related Article: Discover Dry Coconut Benefits for Health and Beauty Care
High Fat and Low Fat Desiccated Coconut Production
There are two types of desiccated coconut: high-fat and low-fat desiccated coconut. Each type has different production, here’s the process of each type :
A. High Fat Desiccated Coconut
The production process of this desiccated coconut type begins with cracking the coconut shell. Then, the brown coconut husk is peeled off to obtain white coconut meat, which is grated and then dried.
The drying process must be conducted at no more than 60 degrees Celsius to prevent the flour from turning yellow. Once the grated coconut is dried and reaches a moisture content below 4.5%, it is crushed and sieved according to the particle size requested by the buyer.
B. Low Fat Desiccated Coconut
This desiccated coconut type is made from dried grated coconut, pressed to extract the oil from the coconut flour. This aims to produce coconut flour which contains low levels of fat. Furthermore, milling and sifting are carried out to obtain fine flour.
In large-scale coconut processing factories, coconut flour with low oil content (below 10%) is usually processed from grated coconut pulp from which coconut milk has been squeezed. These dregs are then dried and finely ground as requested.
Difference Between High Fat and Low Fat Desiccated Coconut
There are several significant differences between high-fat and low-fat desiccated coconut. This is the difference between the desiccated coconut type.
1. Fat Content
Fat content is the most significant differentiating factor between high-fat and low-fat desiccated coconut. Low-fat desiccated coconut has a lower fat content, less than 50%, while high-fat desiccated coconut has a fat content of around 60% to 70%.
2. Taste
The higher fat content in high-fat desiccated coconut contributes to a more prosperous and smoother taste than low-fat desiccated coconut, which has a milder flavor. In contrast, low-fat desiccated coconut has a milder taste due to its lower fat content.
3. Texture
Low-fat desiccated coconut has a rougher texture than high-fat desiccated coconut has a softer texture. The higher the fat content, it makes the coconut pieces more pliable and easier to work with. As a result, it has a smoother and more consistent texture.
In contrast, low-fat desiccated coconut has a drier and less oily texture than high-fat desiccated coconut. This makes it a better choice for use in recipes that call for dry ingredients or a crunchy texture is desired.
Related Article: Popular Method of How to Make Desiccated Coconut from Scratch
Desiccated Coconut
- Desiccated Coconut is a versatile ingredient and ideal for fillers, toppings, and ingredients, especially in baking biscuits, snack bars, cakes, cookies, and many more.
- Our Desiccated Coconut has a sweet aroma of coconut and mild characteristics of coconut without being rancid.
4. Nutrition
As previously mentioned, high-fat desiccated coconut has higher calories and saturated fat than low-fat desiccated coconut. Both types of coconut are excellent sources of dietary fiber. It’s even packed with good protein and other essential nutrients like iron, potassium, and magnesium.
Low-fat desiccated coconut contains about 360 calories per 100 grams, while high-fat desiccated coconut contains about 645 calories per 100 grams.
5. Usage
High-fat and low-fat desiccated coconut can be used in various recipes, from sweets, desserts, bread, and cakes, to savory dishes such as stir-fries and curries. However, the particular type of desiccated coconut you choose can affect the outcome of your recipe.
High-fat desiccated coconut may better make thick, creamy coconut-based sauces or fillings. At the same time, low-fat desiccated coconut may be better suited for adding texture and flavor to baked goods without adding too much flavor or weight.
Where Can I Find Desiccated Coconut Supplier?
Are you searching for desiccated coconut suppliers? You might want to consider buying from Indonesia, the largest coconut-producing country known for its high-quality products. Discover how to buy coconut products from Indonesia!
FAQ
Is coconut flour gluten-free?
Coconut flour is relatively high in protein, gluten-free, and has a shallow digestible carbohydrate content.
Can coconut lose weight?
Coconut water is a healthy drink that is low in sugar and calories, making it a great choice for people who are on a diet program to lose weight.
What is desiccated coconut used for?
Desiccated coconut is a processed coconut product. It is widely used to manufacture biscuits, sweets, bread, and cake decoration.
Is desiccated coconut good for health?
Coconut flour made of desiccated coconut is healthier than rice flour or wheat flour. This flour is high in fiber and does not contain gluten, so it is suitable for consumption by people who want to lead a healthy lifestyle.
What is the difference between low-fat and high-fat desiccated coconut?
The basic difference between low-fat and high-fat desiccated coconut is the fat content, whereas high-fat desiccated coconut has higher fat. Besides that, high-fat desiccated coconut’s texture is softer than low-fat.
What are the different types of dried coconuts?
There are several types of desiccated coconut such as copra, coconut flakes, desiccated coconut, and coconut flour, and products that can be eaten immediately, such as coconut chips.
