Suggested uses

Basic prep

Storage & handling

Store in cool, dry place.

Ingredients

Coconut. 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 Phillippines 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 Unsweetened Fancy Shredded Coconut is the grated flesh of mature, ripe coconuts. Its full of its own naturally sweet coconut flavor that is not augmented with added sugar or other sweeteners. It has been treated to preserve its creamy white color.