Coconut Powder Recipe

Coconut powder, also known as desiccated coconut or coconut flour, is a versatile ingredient used in many cuisines.

Made from dried, ground coconut meat, coconut powder adds a sweet nutty flavor and texture to both sweet and savory dishes.

Ingredients Needed to Make Coconut Powder

Making your own coconut powder only requires a few simple ingredients:

• Coconut: You'll need 1 medium coconut to start. Choose one that feels heavy for its size.
• Water: Hot water helps soak the coconut meat to extract the coconut milk. Use 4 cups.
• Oven/dehydrator: For drying the coconut pulp thoroughly after extracting the milk.
• Food processor: To grind the dried coconut into a fine powder.

Optional seasonings: When making flavored coconut powder, you can add spices like cinnamon or vanilla.

Step-by-Step Method for Making Coconut Powder

Coconut Powder Recipe

Follow this simple method for making smooth, homemade coconut powder:

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Ingredients

  

• 1 medium coconut (choose one that feels heavy for its size)
• 4 cups hot water
• Oven or dehydrator
• Food processor

See also  Homemade Carrot Powder - Recipe

Instructions

 

Prepare the Coconut

• First, prepare the coconut by opening it and removing the meat:
• Pierce one of the three eyes/indentations with a drill, screwdriver or hammer and nail. Drain the liquid.
• Break open the coconut by striking it with a hammer or mallet.
• Carefully pry the white meat away from the shell with a knife.
• Peel off the thin brown skin covering the coconut meat.

Make Coconut Milk

• Then, extract coconut milk that you'll strain out, keeping the dried pulp:
• Chop the coconut meat and blend with 4 cups of hot water (boiling water works best).
• Let the mixture cool slightly, then pour it into a nut milk bag or through a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth.
• Squeeze out the milk, reserving the strained coconut pulp.

Dehydrate the Coconut Pulp

• Next, thoroughly dehydrate the pulp:
• Spread evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake at 170°F for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until completely dry.
• Let cool completely before proceeding.

Grind into a Powder

• Lastly, grind the dehydrated coconut pulp into a fine powder:
• Place the dried coconut pieces into a dry food processor or blender.
• Blend or pulse into a smooth, fine powder, about 1-2 minutes.
• Avoid overprocessing as it can make the powder oily.
• And that's it - you now have fresh, flavorful DIY coconut powder!

Storing Homemade Coconut Powder

Place your freshly made coconut powder into an airtight container. Store in a cool, dry spot for up to 1 year. The fridge can prolong its shelf life even longer.

For best flavor and texture, try using your homemade powder within a few months. Over time, the oils can go rancid causing off flavors.

Optional: When storing, add a pinch of rice powder which helps absorb any moisture and keep the coconut powder drier longer.

Using Coconut Powder in Recipes

The versatility of coconut powder makes it useful in both sweet and savory recipes:

Baking

Coconut powder works wonderfully in cookies, cakes, muffins, and quick breads. Substitute up to 20% of the regular flour called for in a recipe. The coconut powder also allows you to reduce butter or oil.

Smoothies & Drinks

Blend coconut powder into smoothies, milkshakes, coffee drinks and hot chocolate. It thickens up the texture while adding fiber, protein and nutrients.

Yogurt & Chia Puddings

Stir in a spoonful of coconut powder when making yogurt, chia seeds or overnight oat puddings. It adds nutrition and tropical flavor.

Curries & Soups

Add a tablespoon of coconut powder to coconut-based Thai or Indian curries. It boosts the coconut flavor. It also works well blended into cream-based soups.

Breakfast Cereal & Oatmeal

Mix a few teaspoons of coconut powder into your morning oatmeal, chia pudding or cold cereal. It enhances nutrition and gives a nice texture.

Key Takeaway: The sweet nutty taste of coconut powder shines in baked goods, drinks, cereals and more for a flavor and nutrition boost.

Flavor Variations

Customize your homemade coconut powder by adding different mix-ins:

• Vanilla: Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste per cup of coconut powder
• Cocoa powder: Mix in 2 tablespoons per cup of coconut powder
• Spices: Add 1⁄2 teaspoon of cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, etc. per cup of powder

FAQs

Should I use desiccated or flaked coconut?

Desiccated works best as it starts out fine and powdery. Large flakes don't grind evenly into powder.

Is it the same as store-bought coconut flour?

Yes, DIY coconut powder works just like commercially made coconut flour. Feel free to use them interchangeably.

How does the nutrition differ from coconut flour?

Homemade coconut powder retains more healthy fats and nutrients vs. store-bought brands. But both offer benefits like protein, fiber and minerals.

What's the difference between coconut flour and almond flour?

Coconut flour absorbs more moisture so less is needed in baking. Almond flour has more protein and healthy fats while being lower in carbs.

Conclusion

Whipping up your own batch of coconut powder opens a world of sweet and savory recipe options.

With this simple do-it-yourself method, you can make small batches at home, controlling the freshness and flavor exactly to your liking.