Full-Fat Desiccated Coconut

Full-fat desiccated coconut is grated, dried coconut flesh that keeps its natural fat content. It has a fine, flaky texture and a mild, sweet coconut flavour. In Lebanese kitchens it is a familiar ingredient in sweets such as coconut cakes, semolina desserts and biscuits, and it is often sprinkled over puddings, ashta-based desserts and cookies. It can also be stirred into oats, granola or curries, or used to coat truffles and date balls. At Dekenet Al Nes in Baaqline, in the Chouf, desiccated coconut is sold by the kilo in the raw nuts section. As a package-free shop, Dekenet Al Nes encourages customers to bring their own containers and take only the amount they need, which helps cut plastic waste and single-use packaging.