Can You Freeze Coconut? How?

Here is the ultimate guide to help you figure out how to freeze and store coconut for the long term. 

These methods and tips have worked like a charm for me. 

Let’s get right into it.

How to Freeze Coconut?

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

This is one of the best ways to freeze coconut, and it is quite simple and hassle-free to follow. 

Print

Materials

• Coconut

Tools

• Ziploc Bag

Instructions

Prep the Coconut: Whether you like to use shredded coconut or chunks of coconut, get them prepped the way you prefer.

Portion and Pack: Portion the coconut into easy-to-manage quantities and pack them into Ziploc bags.

Seal, Label, and Freeze: Seal the Ziploc bag after squeezing out most of the excess air in it and then label it with the best before date.

Freeze the bag lying down flat, so that you can save space in the freezer.

Check out this tutorial by “Raks Kitchen” on YouTube to see how it is done -

Freezing Coconut in Wrapped Portions

Although it is a bit time-consuming, this method is a great way to have small ready-to-use portions in the freezer. 

Prep the Coconut

Shred or cut the coconut as you prefer to use in your recipes.

Portion and Wrap

Take a spoonful or handfuls of coconut and wrap them up with some cling wrap into balls.

Flash Freeze

Leave them in the freezer for a couple of hours or overnight and let them freeze solid.

Pack and Seal

Transfer the frozen wrapped coconut into a Ziploc bag and seal it.

Label and Freeze

Add a label on the bag with the best before date, and you are all set to freeze the coconut.

Here is a video guide by “c4cooking” on YouTube to give you a clearer picture –

Freezing Grated Coconut in Ice Cube Trays

If you want to have tiny portions of coconut at the ready, freezing grated coconut in ice cube trays is your best bet.

Prep the Coconut

Prep the coconut by grating it.

Fill and Cover

Spoon the grated coconut into the ice cube tray and fill its slots. Then cover the tray with some cling wrap to avoid and odor from seeping in.

Flash Freeze

Leave the tray in the freezer for a couple of hours or overnight and let the coconut freeze solid.

Pack and Seal

Transfer the frozen cubes of coconut into a Ziploc bag or freezer-safe air-tight container and seal them in. Make sure to squeeze out all the excess air before sealing a Ziploc bag.

Label and Freeze

Add a label on the bag or container with the best before date, and you can leave it in the freezer till you need it next.

How Long Can You Freeze Coconut? 

You can freeze coconut for 6 to 8 months. Although you could freeze it for longer than that and keep it for a year or so, it is best to use it up sooner rather than later to have it fresh. 

The key to keeping the coconut in the freezer for a long is to make sure that it is well covered from being exposed to air or freezer burns.

Moreover, freezing the coconut as soon as you grate it or buy it is important to keep it fresh for longer in the freezer.

How to Store Frozen Coconut? 

You can store frozen coconut in any freezer-safe air-tight container or Ziploc bag. The key is to keep all air out and keep it protected from freezer burns.

When storing the coconut, try not to overstuff the container or bag, as the coconut can expand as it freezes and crack the container, exposing it to air.

Of the two options, Ziploc bags are ideal to store large quantities of coconut without taking up too much space.

If you freeze the coconuts laying down flat, you can not only save space but also allows you to break off small chunks off the sheet of frozen coconut than having to thaw a big block.

If you are freezing store-bought coconut, do not freeze it in its original packing. Not only can it spoil faster, but it also becomes hard to take out small portions.

How to Defrost Coconut? 

The best way to thaw frozen coconut is to leave it in the fridge for a couple of hours or overnight and let it thaw gradually.

If you are in a hurry, you could also dip the bag or container of coconut in a bowl of cold water and let it thaw for a couple of hours.

You could also microwave the coconut on low settings if you plan to use it up right away.

If you plan to use the coconut in smoothies or to cook with it, you can skip the thawing process and use it right out of the freezer.

Can You Refreeze Coconut? 

Although you can refreeze coconut, it is best advised not to. If you have defrosted it in the fridge and had not left it out for long, it would be okay to freeze it again.

But keep in mind that repeated freezing can change the taste and texture of the coconut making it unappealing. 

If the coconut had been left out for long, it is best not to refreeze it because there are high chances of bacterial buildup.

To avoid having to refreeze or waste the coconut once it thaws, try and portion it beforehand into quantities that you can easily manage to consume in one go. 

Does Coconut Freeze Well? 

Yes, coconut freezes well and is a great way to extend its shelf life for up to 6 months or more.

As long as it is not exposed to air or freezer burns, it should work just as fine as freshly grated coconuts. 

But keep in mind that the coconut only stays fresh in the freezer if it was fresh beforehand.

If the coconut had been left out for too long, it is most likely that the frozen coconut won’t taste as good once it thaws.

FAQs

Bottom Line 

I hope this article helped you make the most out of the extra coconut in your pantry by freezing them. 

If you have any doubts or would like to share some freezing tips of your own, it would be great to hear from you. 

Feel free to share this article with your friends and family.