Packaged Coconut

One of my favorite flavor groups is tropical. I love the pineapple, orange, papaya and coconut mixture. Recently I went to a dehydrating class in the community kitchen. You never know what tips or tricks you can pick up. The first tip I picked up was dehydrating packaged coconut. I would have never thought of that.

And as it were, I picked up a new tip. Take a package of unsweetened coconut flakes or shreds and dehydrate it. You can also roast the coconut and then dehydrate it. Roasting the coconut gives it a slightly nutty flavor.

Dried coconut can be put into the storage pantry for up to a year. If you add an oxygen absorber and vacuum seal it, it will last longer.

Treats can be made at any time of year. One of my favorite simple treats is to pour melted chocolate over a small mound of coconut. Refrigerate until cold. I use to pop them in my mouth for a snack. Love them made with dark chocolate. If you add an almond it tastes like an almond joy. My other favorite simple treat is to make a mound of coconut add some caramel and coat with dark chocolate. Allow it to set in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour. Then eat. I called them coconut turtles.

I picked up a new recipe of pineapple coconut bark. I’ll post that later.

Dehydrating Packaged Coconut

1 package unsweetened coconut flakes

 Line trays with parchment paper or use leather trays.Open package and pour out coconut on to the lined trays.

Break up any clumps.

Dehydrate 130 degrees for 6-8 hours.

One package loads 3-4 trays.

Coconut should be crisp when dry.

Turn the dehydrator off and allow the coconut to cool.

I use a quart mason jar to store my entire coconut package.

I use a Seal a Meal vacuum sealer with the Food Saver vacuum lid regular and wide mouth accessory.

Coconut is one of those wonderful flavors that can be added to many different recipes and treats.

All are very good!