Coconut flour is made on a larger scale and with professional equipment. This process allows the coconut pulp to be more intensively processed, dried and ground into a fine flour.
Extraction of Coconut Milk
The outer shells and brown outer parts of the coconuts are cleaned, only the white part is used.
The white flesh is grated and mixed with water to obtain coconut milk. Special squeezing machines are used on a large scale at this stage.
The strained coconut milk is separated for use in other products and the remaining pulp is processed.
Drying of Pulp
After the coconut milk is extracted, the remaining pulp is dried in drying machines at low heat.
The drying process is optimized to homogeneously remove moisture from the pulp and extend the shelf life of the product. At this stage, the drying temperature is generally kept between 60-80°C.
The drying process reduces the moisture content in the pulp to 3-4%.
Grinding (Turning into Flour)
The completely dried pulp is turned into flour in industrial mills or special grinding machines.
These machines are powerful enough to grind the pulp into a very fine powder, allowing the flour to have a more homogeneous structure.
During the milling process, sifting systems can also be used to make the flour finer.
Packaging and Storage
After the grinding process is completed, the coconut flour is transported to the packaging unit.
During packaging, the product is packaged in moisture and oxygen impermeable packaging. This extends the freshness and shelf life of the product.
The packaged flour is stored for sale.
In commercial production, hygiene standards and quality control measures are very important. Each batch of product is tested for flour content, moisture content and microbiological structure. Commercially produced coconut flours are usually finer in texture than homemade coconut flour and last longer due to industrial processing.
What are the benefits of coconut flour ?
While coconut flour is becoming more well-known due to the increasing interest in healthy eating , some of its hidden benefits are still lesser known. Here are some of the lesser-known benefits of coconut flour:
1. Helps Control Blood Sugar
Coconut flour has a low glycemic index value and high fiber content, which helps to gently raise blood sugar levels. This property can help prevent blood sugar fluctuations, especially in people with diabetes.
2. Supports Digestive Health
It contains high amounts of dietary fiber. Fiber can prevent constipation by regulating bowel movements and supports healthy intestinal bacteria. This facilitates digestion and maintains intestinal health.
3. It Gives a Feeling of Fullness and Helps with Weight Control
The fibers in coconut flour fill the stomach, making you feel full for a long time, thus contributing to weight management by preventing overeating and frequent hunger pangs.
4. Protects Heart Health
Coconut flour can balance triglyceride levels and increase “good cholesterol” (HDL) levels. Thanks to these properties, regular consumption can support heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease.
5. Strengthens the Immune System
Coconut flour contains lauric acid, a substance that has antibacterial and antiviral properties. It can protect against infections by supporting the immune system.
6. It Reduces the Risk of Allergies Since It Is a Gluten-Free Alternative
Its gluten-free structure offers a safe flour alternative for celiac patients and individuals with gluten sensitivity. It also contains less allergens compared to other flours, reducing the risk of allergic reactions.
7. Supports Muscle Health with Its Protein Content
Coconut flour has a higher protein content than some other gluten-free flours, which helps with muscle repair and maintenance of muscle mass.
8. It is Low in Calories
Coconut flour is relatively low in calories, making it an ideal option, especially for those looking to lose weight in a healthy way. It is filling even when used in small amounts and adds volume to desserts and foods without adding excess calories to recipes.
9. Potential Impact in Fighting Cancer
Coconut flour contains compounds that have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants may have a protective effect against cancer by reducing cell damage that can be caused by free radicals in the body.
10. Supports Skin and Hair Health
Lauric acid and other healthy fats benefit the skin and hair not only from the inside but also from the outside. The use of coconut flour in masks or peeling mixtures in skin and hair care provides a moisturizing and nourishing effect.
Considering these benefits, coconut flour stands out not only as a gluten-free flour alternative, but also as a nutritious ingredient that provides many positive effects on overall health.
What are the Calories and Nutritional Values of Coconut Flour?
Coconut flour is a preferred flour alternative, especially in healthy nutrition and diet plans, with its low carbohydrate content and high fiber content. Here are the approximate nutritional values of 100 grams of coconut flour:
Nutritional Values of 100 Grams of Coconut Flour:
Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 20 grams
Fat: 8 grams
Fiber: 38 grams
Sugar: 8 grams
Vitamin and Mineral Content
Nutritional Properties of Coconut Flour
High Fiber Content: Coconut flour is quite high in fiber compared to other flour types. This supports digestive health and increases the feeling of fullness.
Low Carb: With its low carb content, it is a suitable alternative for keto and low carb diets.
Medium Chain Fatty Acids ( MCTs ): MCT oils, like lauric acid, are easily converted into energy by the body and can speed up metabolism.
High Protein: Supports muscle health with its plant-based protein content.
Thanks to the nutritional values and properties of coconut flour, it offers a very healthy and nutritious option, especially for those looking for a gluten-free, low-carb and fiber-rich diet.
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What to Do with Coconut Flour?
Coconut flour can be used in many recipes with its gluten-free, low-carb and high-fiber structure. Here are some delicious and healthy recipe suggestions you can make with coconut flour:
1. Coconut Flour Pancake
Pancakes made with coconut flour are a low-carb breakfast option.
Basic ingredients: Coconut flour, eggs, milk or plant-based milk, baking powder, honey or vanilla.
Preparation: Mix the ingredients and cook in a pan as small pancakes .
2. Coconut Flour Bread
It is an excellent option for gluten-free bread making.
Basic ingredients: Coconut flour, eggs, olive oil or melted coconut oil, baking powder, salt.
Preparation: Mix the ingredients to form a bread dough and bake in the oven.
3. Gluten-Free Cookies
Gluten-free cookies can be made by mixing coconut flour with oat or almond flour.
Basic ingredients: Coconut flour, honey or maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla, eggs.
Preparation: Mix the ingredients, form small balls and bake in the oven.
4. Coconut Flour Cake or Muffins
This flour adds a slight coconut flavor to cakes and muffins .
Basic ingredients: Coconut flour, eggs, milk or plant milk, honey or date puree as a sweetener, baking powder, vanilla.
Preparation: Pour the mixture into cake molds and bake in the oven.
5. Low Carb Pizza Base
Coconut flour can be used to make a gluten-free pizza base.
Basic ingredients: Coconut flour, eggs, cheese or yogurt, salt.
Preparation: Mix the ingredients, spread into a pizza base and pre-bake. Then decorate with the desired ingredients and bake in the oven.
6. Add to Smoothies or Shakes
You can add coconut flour to smoothies or shakes to increase the fiber and protein content .
Basic ingredients: 1-2 tablespoons of coconut flour, plus extra for your smoothie recipe.
Preparation: Mix the flour with your other smoothie ingredients to obtain a smooth consistency.
7. Energy Balls or Bars
You can use it to make sweet and healthy snack energy balls.
Basic ingredients: Coconut flour, peanut butter or almond butter, honey or maple syrup, shredded coconut, chocolate chips.
Preparation: Mix the ingredients, form balls and let them rest in the refrigerator.
8. Using as a Thickener for Sweet Sauces and Puddings
Coconut flour can also be used as a natural thickener to thicken dessert sauces and puddings.
Basic ingredients: Dairy or almond milk, cocoa or fruit puree, coconut flour, honey or sugar.
Preparation: While cooking the ingredients, add coconut flour to obtain a thick consistency.
These recipes made with coconut flour offer a light coconut flavor and extra fiber, making them a nutritious and healthy option that suits gluten-free and low-carb diets.