In one of our earlier posts we discussed organic almond flour, with so many added benefits, it does stand out as a healthier alternative to regular wheat flour. Similarly, today we will dive into another interesting type of flour prepared from raw coconut, called organic coconut flour.
Origins and Production
Organic coconut flour is prepared from the white meat found in coconut. This is often done in parallel to other types of extraction such as coconut milk or oil. The meat is scooped out and is rinsed and strained to separate it from the milk. The end solid product is then dried and ground to get the fine white powder known as coconut flour. The organic label ensures that the flour is free from harmful chemicals pesticides, herbicides, or GMOs.
Nutritional Profile
Coconut flour is rich in various nutrients as you will see. Because of this, it does stand out as a unique kind of flour for your culinary and daily requirements.
- Fiber: It is rich in dietary fiber, which promotes gut health and proper bowel movements, so a very good option for those of you who suffer from constipation regularly.
- Protein: Unlike other gluten-free flour, (yes, coconut flour is gluten-free) it is also rich in protein. This makes it a suitable choice if you are into a high-protein diet and want to add some more protein to your daily requirements. We very well know that protein helps with muscle building and is very essential nutrient
- Healthy Fats: The found in coconut flour are quite easy to digest and are very nutritious. They also add a certain texture to the flour making it tastier.
- Low carb content: It also is much lower in carbs as compared to traditional wheat flour, thus making it ideal for those who are looking for high protein and low carb substitute.
Health Benefits
- Gluten-Free Substitute: As discussed earlier, it can be a very good substitute for regular wheat flour which is not gluten-free. If you are allergic to gluten or it causes you certain issues, then this is for you.
- Blood Sugar Regulation: Since it is low in carbs, it can prove to be useful for those of you struggling to manage your sugar profile.
- Heart Health: The fats found in coconut are medium-chain triglycerides, these fats are very easily digestible and good for your heart.
- Weight Management: Because of the high protein and low carb profile, it can be an excellent tool for gym-goers and for those who are looking forward to managing their weight.
Culinary Applications
It has a wide range of usages when it comes to cuisines and dishes. You can use it in baking muffins, pancakes, and cookies, follow this guide for more recipes. Because of its fine structure, it can also be used as a coating agent. It also serves as a binding agent. Thus you can use them in your meatballs and veggie burgers. It can also be used as a thickening agent for soups and stews because of its absorbent nature.
Conclusion
Coconut flour is thus a very healthy and nutritious substitute for regular flour. Because of its wide nutritional benefits and culinary applications, it can be a very good addition to your sustainable kitchen wardrobe. Try it out and let us know how it goes. We would love to know your experience.
FAQs
- Which is better coconut flour or almond flour?
That’s a tough tell. Depending on your goals and preferences both are a good option and better than regular wheat flour. If you don’t like coconut in general or like almonds more, or vice-versa, you might lean towards one or another.
- Is coconut flour good for you?
If you don’t have any health complications and are not allergic to coconut, it is generally safe and extremely good to consume coconut flour. When in doubt, always consult a health expert.
- Where to buy organic coconut flour?
You might be able to find it in your local Walmart. However, getting certified organic coconut flour might be tough with so many counterfeit products available today. Wildlyorganics deals with a lot of organic and certified food products, organic coconut flour being one of them, we recommend this if you want to buy this online or in bulk quantities.
