Welcome to the Kitchen Shrink, where you write me with your culinary questions and I do my best to answer them.

Dec  8, 2004

What is desiccated coconut?
Food Facts

This week a web site visitor asked the Kitchen Shrink, "What is the difference between desiccated coconut and the kind you buy in the grocery store? Some recipes call for it. I've looked everywhere to find the answer. Can you help me?"

Desiccated coconut, also called macaroon coconut, is more finely shredded than the sweetened coconut you find in supermarkets. It can be purchased in medium, fine, and extra fine textures, and comes sweetened or unsweetened. You will find it in natural foods stores, shops that carry candy and cake supplies, and on line at Sweet Celebrations. It is usually used in cookies and candy but the unsweetened makes a good breading for seafood or chicken. If you can't find it, you could process either sweetened or unsweetened shredded or flaked coconut until it is finely ground.

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