As we all know, the coconut is a highly versatile fruit. Every part of it — from the juice and meat to the shell — has its value. Coconut water is a tasty beverage, the shell can be made into coconut shell charcoal, and the meat is widely used in the food processing industry. To extend the shelf life of coconut meat, it is usually dried using a coconut meat dryer machine, which helps preserve its original flavor effectively.
Why dry coconut meat?
Extending shelf life
Fresh coconut meat contains over 50% moisture, creating an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast. Drying reduces the water activity (Aw), making it difficult for microorganisms to access the moisture they need to grow, thus effectively preventing spoilage.
Coconut meat also contains enzymes like lipase and oxidase, which are highly active in moist conditions. These enzymes can cause fat oxidation, protein breakdown, and non-enzymatic browning (darkening in color). Drying lowers the moisture content and helps slow down or stop these reactions. Therefore, drying is the best method to extend the shelf life of coconut meat.
Prevent fat oxidation and rancidity
Coconut meat is rich in coconut oil (about 33–40%). Although its saturated fats are relatively stable, they can still undergo oxidation and become rancid when exposed to oxygen, light, heat, and moisture, producing unpleasant odors and harmful substances. Moisture acts as a medium for fat hydrolysis, so removing it slows down the reaction. Dried coconut meat is easier to pack under low-oxygen (vacuum or nitrogen-filled), light-proof, and sealed conditions, effectively reducing the risk of oxidation.
Enhance flavor and texture
Moderate dehydration concentrates the natural sugars and flavor compounds in coconut meat, resulting in a richer coconut aroma and smoother taste, as seen in coconut flakes and shredded coconut. Deep drying removes most of the moisture, creating a crispy or crunchy texture. The drying process also helps eliminate the raw, grassy taste of fresh coconut, making the flavor milder and more pleasant.
Easier storage and transportation
Drying removes a large amount of moisture from coconut meat, reducing its volume and weight by 50% to 70% or more. This significantly lowers storage space requirements and transportation costs.
Expanded processing applications
Dried coconut meat serves as the base raw material for many processed products, such as shredded coconut, coconut flakes, coconut chunks, coconut powder, coconut oil extraction, and instant food ingredients.
Drying process of coconut meat
Raw material preparation
Select fresh, mature coconuts with thick, white meat. Crack the shell and remove the whole coconut meat. Peel off the brown skin to ensure clean, white meat. After washing off impurities, cut the coconut meat into uniform thin slices (usually 2–5mm) or strips.
Pre-treatment before drying (Recommended)
- Blanching: Quickly blanch the coconut slices in boiling water for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then drain. This helps prevent browning, removes some oil, softens the tissue for better moisture diffusion, and maintains a white color.
- Color protection: Add a small amount of citric acid or vitamin C solution to the blanching water to further prevent oxidation and discoloration.
Equipment preheating and inspection
Clean the inside of the drying room and trays. Line the trays with baking paper, silicone mats, or stainless steel mesh to prevent sticking and make it easier to clean any oil residue.
Loading trays into the dryer
Spread the prepared coconut slices evenly in a single layer on the trays, usually not thicker than 3 cm. Carefully place the trays onto the shelves of the drying trolley. Leave enough space (usually 5–10 cm) between trays to ensure good airflow circulation.
Control of drying temperature
- Initial stage: Maintain the temperature at 50–55°C with continuous moisture exhaust for about 2–4 hours. The goal is to remove most of the free water.
- Middle stage: Gradually raise the temperature to 60–65°C while keeping the moisture exhaust on. When drying reaches about one-third to half of the total time, carefully pull out the drying trolley, wear heat-resistant gloves, and quickly turn the coconut slices on each tray or swap the positions of the upper and lower trays.
- Final stage: When the coconut slices are nearly dry (firm to the touch but still slightly flexible), lower the temperature to 50–55°C or even 45–50°C. Keep the moisture exhaust running for about 2–4 hours, aiming to reach the final safe moisture content (usually 3–8%).
Why choose Shuliy coconut meat dryer machine?
- Best cost performance: As the original manufacturer, we produce the complete drying room equipment ourselves, cutting out middleman costs.
- Faster and more efficient: Heating and dehumidification occur simultaneously and are controllable, resulting in a shorter drying time compared to traditional methods.
- More environmentally friendly and clean: No combustion during the process, zero emissions of waste gas or wastewater, causing no pollution.
- More even drying: 360-degree drying area with no dead spots, drying the product evenly inside and out.
- Smarter and easier to operate: The PLC intelligent control system accurately manages temperature and humidity.
- Safer: No risks of fire, explosion, poisoning, or short circuits.
Tips for drying coconut oil
- Fire and explosion prevention: Coconut meat contains 30–40% oil. The drying temperature must never exceed 70°C; the ideal range is 45–65°C. High temperatures accelerate oil leakage and lower the flash point.
- Cleaning and maintenance: Oil residue on drying room walls, trays, fan blades, and exhaust ducts must be cleaned with food-grade alkaline detergent. Regularly check heating elements, thermostats, fan controllers, and fans to prevent overheating or short circuits—clean dust from the control cabinet to avoid electrical faults.
- Operational safety: Wear heat-resistant gloves and long-sleeve clothing during operation. Before opening the drying room door, turn off the heat source and let it cool down to avoid hot steam burns.
If you’re interested in our coconut meat dryer, feel free to contact us for more details! You can contact me directly via WhatsApp – just click here.https://wa.me/+8619139761487.