Coconut, dried

Also known as shredded or flaked coconut. Made from drying out shreds of coconut meat taken from the shell. Most store brands are sweetened and treated with sulfites to keep the flakes white. Natural dried coconut flakes are brown and unsweetened. For desserts, use the sweetened variety. Dried coconut is often dyed and served like candy during holidays. Asian markets sell bags of large, dried coconut flakes.