Coconut – Shredded Fresh

There is no substitute for fresh coconut; dried shredded coconut does not have the right moisture content or fresh flavour. To prepare your own, split a mature coconut (one with a hard brown husk) in half, then remove any water and scrape a firm, sharp zester around the surface of the coconut flesh, working in a circular motion so it comes away in long threads, giving a shredded effect. A coconut grater can also be used. These small appliances, with sharp cross blades, clip onto a work surface. You turn the handle with one hand, and hold the coconut with the flesh-side facing the blades with the other hand to shred the coconut flesh.