Desiccated coconut
Dried, grated coconut flesh with a sweet flavour and fibrous texture. Choose unsweetened coconut and keep it tightly closed in a cool place to prevent its natural fat becoming rancid. Used in baking, toppings, curries and energy-bite mixtures.
What it offers and why to use it
The flavour profile depends on the recipe and may be concentrated in salt, fat, acidity or sweetness.
From shopping to cooking
Choose
When buying desiccated coconut, check ingredients, allergens, date, packaging and storage instructions. Compare added sugar between products.
Store
Follow the label carefully. Once opened or cooked, refrigerate in a sealed container and use within the stated time.
Prepare
Taste where appropriate before seasoning and adjust the rest of the recipe for the ingredient's moisture, fat, salt or sweetness.
How to make the most of it
Good pairings
Depending on its flavour profile, pair with bread, vegetables, meat, fish, cheese, pasta or appetisers.
How to substitute it
If desiccated coconut is unavailable, a homemade version or an alternative with a similar texture may work, depending on its role in the recipe.
Recipes with desiccated coconut
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