The global desiccated coconut market size was valued at USD 8.2 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 13.7 billion by 2032. Coconut in form of desiccated coconut can be utilized for a large number of applications. It can be processed into chocolate bars, cakes, puddings, and even coconut oil. Particularly in this article, we are going to discuss how to make coconut oil from desiccated coconut, and which preferred type of desiccated coconut for coconut oil making.
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Can you make coconut oil from desiccated coconut?
The answer is yes. Desiccated coconut serves as a rich source of coconut oil. Essentially, it is dried shredded coconut meat that has various industrial applications, with coconut oil extraction being one of them. You can extract coconut oil from desiccated coconut by employing several extraction methods in your production process. Just make sure you are choosing the high fat desiccated coconut, not the low fat ones.
What makes desiccated coconut a suitable raw material is its high oil content. With a fat content of nearly 70% (we are talking about high fat desiccated coconut here), this makes it more cost-effective and quicker to produce oil compared to other forms of coconut. The oil extracted boasts similar properties to that made directly from coconut pulp, considering it retains the coconut’s nutritional values.
To further support this, a study published in the International Journal of Food Science & Technology found that the physicochemical properties of virgin coconut oil made from dry process had a nearly identical fatty acid profile to those made from wet process.
In what considered to be a dry process, coconut meat is dried and grated before pressed into virgin coconut oil. And technically, the dried and grated coconut meat is desiccated coconut. Therefore, one can say that desiccated coconut is in the middle of the process from coconut meat to coconut oil.
What about the residual? After obtaining virgin coconut oil from desiccated coconut, you will have low fat desiccated coconut which can be sold as well.
How to make coconut oil with shredded coconut?
Now, let’s delve into the process of making coconut oil using shredded coconut. First, choose the right desiccated coconut. Desiccated coconut for coconut oil making must be high-quality, high fat desiccated coconut. The quality of the desiccated coconut greatly impacts the quality of the final product.
To make coconut oil from desiccated coconut, you can use either wet method or dry method.
Wet Method to Make Coconut Oil from Desiccated Coconut
- Start by soaking the dried desiccated coconut in water for a few hours to one day to rehydrate them.
- Blend the mixture using blender.
- Sieve the mixture using a clean cloth to squeeze out the liquid. Now you have coconut crumbs (which can be dried into low fat or reduced fat desiccated coconut) and so-called coconut milk.
- Cool the coconut milk using a fridge to separate the oil from the water. Alternatively, you can use a centrifugation machine that will separate the two.
- If you are using a fridge, you will find the coconut fat or cream frozen and separated from the water. Separate the frozen fat and put it into a new container, wait until it melts into coconut oil. Filter the oil after.
This method can be preferred for homemade coconut oil. However, for industrial needs, one should refrain from adding water or increasing moisture to the oil to avoid oil spoilage.
Dry Method to Make Coconut Oil from Desiccated Coconut
To employ the dry method in order to make coconut oil with desiccated or shredded coconut, simply press the high fat desiccated coconut using a press machine to extract the coconut oil from your high fat desiccated coconut. The expelled oil will need to be filtered to obtain finer-quality of coconut oil.
As aforementioned, this method is much safer than the wet method because it does not involve water. Water will add moisture, hence increasing the risk of oil spoilage.
How do you extract virgin oil from coconut?
Virgin Coconut Oil extraction can involve wet milling (fermentation), dry milling, or cold pressing.
With the fermentation method, the crude coconut oil is collected and put into a transparent container and left for at least 24 hours. During this period, the coconut oil separates from the water and protein, rising to the top of the container. It is then carefully scooped out, leaving the protein and water behind.
On the other hand, centrifuge extraction is done using a machine. The crude coconut oil is placed into the centrifuge machine and spun at high speed to separate the coconut oil, water, and protein.
Once the VCO is obtained, it is then filtered to get rid of any small particles and water. After these stages, the resultant oil is clear, odorless, and of high quality – virgin coconut oil as we know it.
Now, armed with this knowledge, you are ready to explore the untapped potential of using desiccated coconut for coconut oil making. The benefits of this method are clear: it’s cost-effective, uncomplicated and yields a product with market appeal. Leveraging these advantages can help you capitalize on the growing global market for coconut oil.
Remember, the emphasis on quality at every stage of production can’t be overstated. A rigorous focus on the quality of the raw material, adherence to the right extraction methods, and thorough post-extraction processing will ensure your coconut oil product meets market standards and consumer expectations.
Desiccated Coconut for Coconut Oil Making: Can you use desiccated coconut instead of fresh coconut?
Absolutely, desiccated coconut can indeed be used in place of fresh coconut while making coconut oil. The use of desiccated coconut for coconut oil making has been found to be incredibly efficient, particularly in areas where fresh coconuts are hard to come by. Desiccated coconut results from the process of shedding and drying the white, inner flesh of mature coconuts. During this process, the coconut retains its high nutrient content, making it an excellent source for extracting oil.
Manufacturers tend to particularly favor desiccated coconut for coconut oil making due to its extended life span, easy storage, and transport. Importantly, since the moisture has been removed, the yield of oil from desiccated coconut can sometimes be greater than that from a fresh one. However, it’s worth noting that manufacturers should aim for high-quality, unsweetened desiccated coconut to ensure the best flavor and nutrition profile.
How many coconuts needed for 1 litre oil?
The number of coconuts needed to produce oil can vary greatly depending on the size, quality of the coconuts and the method of extraction used. On average, around 10 to 12 mature coconuts are needed to produce one litre of virgin coconut oil. This estimate is based on traditional cold pressing methods.
However, when using desiccated coconut for coconut oil making, the yield can be significantly higher, as the drying process concentrates the oil-containing tissues. This efficiency, combined with the ease of storage and transportation of desiccated coconut, makes it a valuable option for coconut oil manufacturers.
Is dessicated coconut the same as shredded coconut?
While they both originate from the same source, desiccated coconut and shredded coconut are not interchangeable terms. Shredded coconut often refers to the larger, moist strands of fresh or slightly dried coconut flesh. It is commonly used in baking, cooking or as a garnish, and still contains a high amount of moisture.
On the other hand, desiccated coconut is coconut flesh that has been shredded and then thoroughly dried. The drying process not only extends its shelf life, but allows for a much finer shred and results in a product that is substantially lower in moisture. This dry texture and concentrated coconut flavor make desiccated coconut ideal for oil extraction.
In conclusion, desiccated coconut has emerged as a valid and efficient source for oil production, capable of producing high yields and carrying all the nutritional benefits of fresh coconuts. Whether in regions where fresh coconuts are scarce or in large-scale manufacturing operations, the use of desiccated coconut for coconut oil making is a smart, cost-effective choice.
What is the difference between desiccated coconut and shredded coconut?
Desiccated coconut and shredded coconut are two forms of processed coconut that offer versatile usage in various food preparations. However, their attributes make them distinct. Desiccated coconut refers to the dried and grated flesh of mature coconuts, which is available unsweetened, sweetened, in various cuts, and sometimes toasted. The process involves removing the natural moisture in the coconut, resulting in long shelf-life and convenience for cooking and baking. It is often used in cakes, cookies, pastries, and even savory dishes like curries.
On the other hand, shredded coconut, also produced from the interior flesh of mature coconuts, is larger in size and retains more moisture than desiccated coconut. Shredded coconut tends to preserve a noticeable sweet, milky flavor due to its high moisture content, making it a preferred choice for garnishing and the making of certain desserts and confections.
How many coconuts for 1 litre virgin coconut oil?
The production of virgin coconut oil requires several coconuts. As per the Asian and Pacific Coconut Community (APCC), an estimated 10 to 12 mature coconuts are needed to produce one liter of virgin coconut oil. While factors such as the size and the maturity of the coconut can marginally affect the output, this number has been found to remain relatively constant based on the traditional cold-pressing method of extraction.
This method involves removing the coconut meat from the shell, shredding it and pressing it to produce the oil, resulting in an end product that retains a distinct coconut aroma and taste. However, it’s important to note the method of extraction can significantly affect the quantity of oil that can be obtained from a certain number of coconuts.
How much oil is produced from 1 kg coconut?
The oil yield from coconut can vary significantly based on a multitude of factors including the type of coconut, its maturity, the method of extraction used, the efficiency of the oil extraction process and the quality of the desiccated coconut. As per the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), one kilogram of well-dried copra that has around 6% moisture content will yield approximately 690 ml of coconut oil. Yet, this extraction rate can differ when using fresher desiccated coconut.
Remember that using desiccated coconut for coconut oil making can offer a different yield. Factors such as the method of extraction and the quality of the desiccated coconut however can alter this yield. In general, higher quality of desiccated coconut and the utilization of more effective extraction methods can lead to a higher oil yield.
Ultimately, the use of desiccated coconut for coconut oil making offers a convenient and effective method to extract high-quality coconut oil. By understanding these key aspects, businesses can better strategize their coconut oil production for improved profitability and product quality. It is also crucial to keep in mind the sustainable sourcing and production methods to further enhance the overall viability of the coconut oil industry.