Get Coconut Drops Right!

Ingredients

• 2 cups Shredded Coconut (dry, mature coconut, diced into 1/4‑inch pieces)
• 2.5 cups Granulated Sugar (can substitute half with brown sugar for deeper flavor)
• 3 cups Water (adjust down if using very soft coconut)
• 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger (peeled and finely grated)
• 4 leaves Fresh Cinnamon Leaves (peeled, adds authentic aroma; can substitute with 1 cinnamon stick, crushed)
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg (freshly grated if possible)
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt (enhances sweetness)
• 0.5 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (optional, adds fragrance)
• 1 large leaf Banana Leaf (wilted over open flame, used as non‑stick surface; parchment paper can replace)

Instructions

1. Prepare Coconut

   Use a spoon to scoop the dry coconut out of its shell, then dice it into roughly 1/4‑inch pieces to speed cooking.

   Time: PT10M

2. Prep Flavorings

   Peel and grate fresh ginger, peel the cinnamon leaves, measure nutmeg, salt, and optional vanilla extract.

   Time: PT5M

3. Combine Ingredients

   Place diced coconut, water, sugar, ginger, cinnamon leaves, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla (if using) into the large saucepan.

   Time: PT2M

4. Bring to a Rapid Boil

   Set the stove to high flame, cover briefly to bring the mixture to a boil quickly, then uncover.

   Time: PT5M

5. Simmer Until Coconut Is Tender

   Reduce heat to low, simmer uncovered for 45‑60 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the cinnamon leaves once they have infused their aroma.

   Time: PT55M

   Temperature: low simmer

6. Reach Hard‑Crack Stage

   Continue simmering, stirring constantly, until the syrup reaches the hard‑crack stage (about 300°F). Test by dropping a small spoonful into cold water; it should harden instantly.

   Time: PT5M

7. Form the Drops

   Remove the pot from heat. Quickly spoon tablespoon‑sized portions onto the prepared banana leaf (or parchment). Work fast before the sugar sets.

   Time: PT5M

8. Cool and Harden

   Allow the drops to cool on the leaf for 10‑15 minutes until completely solid.

   Time: PT15M

9. Store

   Transfer the cooled drops to an airtight container. They improve after a day or two as the coconut softens.

   Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

240

Protein

0g

Carbohydrates

30g

Fat

4g

Fiber

2g