Dried Coconut
Dried coconut is a food product made by drying the flesh (endosperm) obtained from the mature fruit of the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera). Due to its high shelf life and unique texture and flavor, it is widely used around the world. Mainly produced in tropical regions, it is valued not only as a snack in its natural form but also as an ingredient in confectionery and cooking. Dried coconut can commonly be found around India Gate in New Delhi, India, where it is enjoyed by both locals and tourists.
- Taste Rating
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- Price
- ? Indian Rupee
- Meal Date
- 9/17/2019
- Food Travel Log
- Looking at the India Gate in New Delhi, I couldn’t help but think of the giant robot Ideon. Pushing away the waves of scam ear picks and scam patches, I found dried coconut street food! The white flesh, when gnawed with teeth, had a slight coconut flavor but a weak taste. It contained good fats and minerals, reducing the sense of guilt.
AI Gourmet Analysis
Overview
Dried coconut is a form of food obtained by drying the edible part (endosperm) mainly from the matured fruit of the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera). Coconut flesh is edible in its raw state, but by drying it, its shelf life is improved, and it has been widely used as a traditional snack or confectionery ingredient in various regions. In India, it is especially consumed daily in the south and coastal areas, and is also offered as street food. In contrast, in Europe and North America, it is often used crushed as a topping for baked goods or granola.
Production and Processing of Dried Coconut
The major coconut-producing countries are tropical and subtropical countries such as India, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. In these regions, matured coconut shells are split open, the white flesh inside is extracted, and then sliced or cut into strips. Subsequently, they are sun-dried or artificially dried to remove moisture, which suppresses spoilage and allows for long-term storage. The drying methods, thickness, and shape of the cuts vary by country and region, resulting in many different variations.
There are both sweetened and unsweetened types processed during production. Around the India Gate and other tourist areas in Delhi, unsalted and unsweetened simple dried coconut is often sold as-is. It is cut for easy handling, and is familiar as a natural snack that travelers and locals can easily enjoy.
Nutritional Value and Health Aspects
Dried coconut is characterized by its high content of fats, dietary fiber, and minerals. The approximate nutritional values per 100g are as follows:
| Nutrient | Per 100g (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Energy | Approx. 600kcal |
| Fat | Approx. 65g |
| Carbohydrates | Approx. 24g |
| Dietary Fiber | Approx. 16g |
| Protein | Approx. 7g |
| Major Minerals (Potassium, Magnesium, etc.) | Abundant |
Coconut contains abundant medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which, though fats, are rapidly digested and quickly become energy. Also, it contains no cholesterol, is high in dietary fiber that supports intestinal health, which endears it to health-conscious people. In traditional Indian medicine, Ayurveda, coconut is regarded as a "cooling food" and is said to gently cool the body.
Dried Coconut Culture in India, Especially Delhi
In Delhi and its surroundings, dried coconut is easily available as a snack. Especially around tourist sites such as India Gate, fresh coconuts are sold from stalls or by mobile vendors, and sometimes cracked open and served on the spot. The dried flesh is characterized by a nut-like crunchiness, and with the moisture removed, the flavor becomes mild and simple. Its light aroma and taste, as well as the sense of satisfaction derived from its fat content, make it popular among health-conscious locals and travelers, especially since it is simple with no added sugar or salt.
Historically, it has also been used as offerings and in religious rites in Hinduism, and as prasadam (sanctified food) at temples. In homes, it is used as a topping for stir-fried dishes, a sugar substitute, or as an ingredient for homemade sweets.
Global Uses of Dried Coconut
Dried coconut is used as a traditional ingredient in kitchens across many countries in Asia, Africa, and Central and South America. In particular, it is frequently used in cooked dishes such as curries and desserts in Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia. In the West, it is often added to baked goods, muesli, trail mixes, and more. It comes in a variety of forms, including flakes, chips, and powder, and is also highly valued in raw food and vegan diets.
Since dried coconut can be preserved for long periods without the addition of preservatives or artificial additives, it is a widely used food around the world.