-ounce can flaked coconut
Flaked coconut is rich in dietary fiber, manganese, and copper, and contains approximately 60% fat, primarily saturated coconut oil with some lauric acid content. It provides moderate calories per serving, approximately 180 calories per two tablespoons (unsweetened).
About
Flaked coconut is the dried, shredded meat of the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera), a tropical drupe native to Southeast Asia and the South Pacific. The white endosperm of mature coconuts is extracted, dried to remove moisture, and cut into thin, irregular flakes. Flaked coconut possesses a sweet, mildly nutty flavor and a tender, slightly chewy texture when fresh, becoming crunchier as it dries. Unsweetened varieties preserve the coconut's natural flavor, while sweetened versions contain added sugar. The ingredient is shelf-stable due to its low moisture content and high fat concentration (approximately 60% coconut oil).
Culinary Uses
Flaked coconut is essential in tropical and Southeast Asian cuisines, appearing in curries, rice dishes, desserts, and beverages throughout Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. It functions as both a texture component and flavor enhancer in baked goods, granolas, and confections, and serves as a coating for fried items. In Western baking, flaked coconut is a standard ingredient in macaroons, coconut cakes, and cookies. The ingredient also features in savory applications, including coconut-rice pilafs and as a garnish for curries. Toasting enhances its flavor intensity before use.