Coconut strips are a delicious and versatile ingredient used in many foods from sweets to savory dishes. They add great texture and flavor to baked goods, granola, trail mixes, cereals, salads and more. However, fresh coconut strips have a relatively short shelf life. Properly preserving them can extend their life so you can enjoy coconut strips for months after purchase. Here’s a guide on the best ways to preserve coconut strips to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
Why Preserve Coconut Strips?
Coconut strips provide some excellent health benefits. They are naturally:
– Low in calories and carbohydrates
– High in fiber
– Rich in manganese, copper, selenium and other minerals
– Packed with antioxidants
Preserving them allows you to make the most of their nutritional value by preventing spoilage. It also saves you from having to frequently purchase fresh strips.
Properly stored coconut can last 6-12 months compared to just 1-2 weeks for fresh. Preserved strips will maintain their delicious flavor and texture instead of drying out or developing mold. Having them on hand gives you the ability to conveniently add them into various recipes.
How To Store Coconut Strips
Follow these tips for storing coconut strips to extend their shelf life:
Refrigeration
The refrigerator is the best place to store opened packages of coconut strips. The cold temperature slows spoilage.
– Place strips in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Press out excess air before sealing to prevent moisture loss.
– Avoid overcrowding the container as air circulation is important.
– Use refrigerated strips within 2-3 weeks for best quality.
Freezer
Freezing preserves coconut strips for long-term storage.
– Portion strips into freezer bags or airtight containers, removing excess air. This prevents freezer burn.
– Freeze for up to 6-12 months.
– Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Pantry Storage
Unopened packages can be stored in the pantry.
– Choose a cool, dark place like a cupboard away from heat sources, sunlight and moisture.
– An unopened package will stay fresh for about 1 month.
– Once opened, transfer unused strips to the refrigerator or freezer.
Dehydrating
Dehydrating coconut strips removes moisture to extend the shelf life.
– Arrange strips in a single layer on dehydrator trays. Dehydrate at 135°F for 6-8 hours.
– Check for crispness then store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
– Enjoy dehydrated strips as a crispy snack or rehydrate in water before using in recipes.
Canning
Canning fully preserves coconut strips when done properly.
– Prepare strips. Pack into clean canning jars, leaving 1⁄2 inch headspace. Add hot syrup or water, leaving 1⁄2 inch headspace.
– Process pint or quart jars in a pressure canner at 11 PSI for 65 minutes.
– After processing, allow jars to cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours. Check lids for an airtight seal.
– Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Refrigerate after opening.
How To Use Preserved Coconut
Your properly stored coconut strips will retain their texture and flavor in the following ways:
Baking
Add coconut strips to cookies, muffins, quick breads, granola bars.
Cereals & Porridges
Sprinkle strips onto hot or cold cereals like oatmeal, chia pudding, overnight oats.
Yogurt Parfaits
Mix into yogurt parfaits along with fruit and granola.
Salads & Vegetables
Toast strips then mix into green salads, grain bowls, sautéed vegetables.
Snacking
Enjoy dehydrated or frozen strips by the handful for healthy snacking.
Drinks
Blend strips into smoothies or sprinkle on top of coffees and milkshakes.
Signs of Spoilage
Check your stored coconut strips and discard any that show signs they’ve spoiled including:
– Mold growth
– Shriveling or dry, brown flesh
– Strange odors
– Soft or slimy texture
– Loss of flavor
As long as strips have been properly stored and remain unspoiled, they are safe to consume or incorporate into recipes even after frozen or preserved for months.
Is Preserved Coconut Less Healthy?
Preserving coconut does not have a significant effect on its nutritional value. According to studies, dried or frozen coconut retains a similar amount of minerals, vitamins, antioxidants and healthy fats as fresh. Canned coconut soaked in syrup has increased sugar content but still provides nutrients. Overall, the small nutrient losses from preserving are outweighed by the benefit of having strips stored for extended use.
Conclusion
Preserving coconut strips through refrigeration, freezing, dehydrating or canning allows you to keep their delicious coconut flavor on hand for up to a year. Use proper storage methods to prevent spoilage. Incorporate your preserved strips into a variety of baked goods, cereals, snacks and other recipes. With minimal effort, you can enjoy the health benefits and taste of coconut year-round.