The Desiccated Coconut Route for
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The Desiccated Coconut (DCN) process can yield substantial quantities of coconut oil. Few other methods can produce even more oil with comparable quality.
Some of the most prolific Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) manufacturers here in the Philippines use this method. Below are the chronological steps for the production of desiccated or dehydrated coconut.
- Shelling
- Paring (removal of testa)
- Washing
- Grinding
- Blanching
- Drying
Many Uses
This method is also very useful to processors. DCN which did not pass the rigid quality standard for the intended product can still be converted into high value goods such as coconut flour and aflatoxin-free, high-grade animal feed.
Manufacturers can even process DCN products with sub-standard color and microbial content further to produce virgin coconut oil, though I question its "virginity," so to speak. For this reason, many question the use of dried coconuts and argue that only fresh varieties should be used in the production of VCO.
VCO-worthy?
Personally, I believe that dehydrated coconut products with unacceptable microbial content and color has no place in making VCO. But that doesn't mean all dried coconut meat can not be utilized to make good-quality coconut oil.
The Philippines is home to the largest single production facility of DCN in the world, with a rated capacity of 23,000 metric tons per year. The company produces some of the best coconut-based products including coconut cream, coconut flour, coconut milk, and yes, virgin coconut oil.
Their VCO is one of the best I have ever tried. It is actually what we take when my wife doesn't have the time to make some at home.
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