Desiccated coconut is coconut meat which has been shredded or flaked and then dried to remove as much moisture as possible. There are a number of different styles of desiccated coconut used around the world, and availability of this coconut product varies, depending on the region where one is shopping. If desiccated coconut is not available, regular dried coconut can be used as a replacement, although dried content tends to have higher moisture content, despite the "dried" in the name. One of the most common forms of desiccated coconut is an unsweetened, very powdery product which is produced by drying shredded coconut and then grinding the shreds. It is also possible to find coarser desiccated coconut, such as desiccated shreds and even flakes of coconut. Many producers also make sweetened versions. The label should clearly specify whether or not the coconut has been sweetened. Desiccated Coconut Powder is obtained by drying ground or shredded coconut kernel after the removal of brown testa. It finds extensive use in confectioneries, puddings and many other food preparations as a substitute to raw grated coconut.
Coconut sugar, sometimes called coconut palm sugar, comes from the sap of the coconut palm tree not the coconuts. Harvesters tap coconut palm sap by cutting into the tree's flower-bud stem to access its nectar. Producers mix the sap with water, boil it into a syrup, and allow it to dry and crystallize. Afterward, they break the dried sap apart to create sugar granules that resemble regular table or cane sugar. Coconut sugar retains many nutrients found in the coconut palm mostly iron, zinc, calcium and potassium. These nutrients can support the body in numerous ways, but coconut sugar does not contain enough of them per serving to offer a measurable benefit. Coconut sugar also contains the soluble fiber inulin which is linked to a lower risk of blood sugar spikes. Available from Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Thailand.