Suggested uses

Basic prep

Storage & handling

Store in cool, dry place.

Ingredients

Coconut, Sugar (with cornstarch), Water,Propylene glycol, Salt, Sodium Metabisulfite (to preserve color). Contains: Tree Nuts.

Coconut (Cocos nucifera) is from the fruit of the coconut palm tree. The word "coconut" stems from the ancient "cocoanut," meaning "head" or "skull," allegedly due to the three small holes on the coconut's shell, which are thought to resemble a human face. Technically the coconut is not a nut, but a fleshy fruit called a drupe. When mature, it contains both a semi-dry, white flesh and a large quantity of liquid, known as coconut water, which is known as a refreshing beverage.

The origin of the coconut is uncertain, although researchers say the first mention of it came in 545 A.D. by an Egyptian monk visiting India. However, many believe it originated in the East Indies, and others think it came from tropical America. Today, however, the coconut palm flourishes in many tropical and subtropical regions of the world, with the Philippines being the biggest producer of coconuts and numerous countries in Southeast Asia, the Caribbean and Central America also producing and exporting large quantities.

Coconuts play an important role in several Hindu religious ceremonies, often being offered during worship to a god or goddess. The coconut palm is so important to Hinduism, in Sanskrit the tree is called "kalpa vriksha," meaning "tree which provides all the necessities of life."

Coconuts have a wide variety of culinary uses, including providing coconut oil, coconut milk, coconut flour and coconut sugar, as well as the common use of the chipped or shredded flesh for baking or cooking. The "water" contained within the coconut can also be used as an ingredient, or as an electrolyte-rich drink in and of itself.

Despite being high in saturated fat, the meat of the coconut is considered a healthy food in moderation, containing no cholesterol or trans fats. It is also a rich source of manganese, copper, selenium and dietary fiber.

This recipe-ready Sweetened Fancy Shredded Coconut is as great as a garnish as it is used in recipes. Lightly sweetened to enhance its own naturally sweet flavor and to maintain its delicately moist texture.