What is the nata de coco?
Coconut nata is a unique Filipino specialty made of fermented coconut water and usually eaten as a dessert. After several days of fermentation, it turns into a gelatinous substance with a soft texture. Plain coconut nata is pale white and almost translucent, neutral in flavor, and usually cut into large cubes.
It first appeared in the Philippines and became incredibly popular in Japan in the 1990s. Today, it is found in a variety of different flavors and forms, and although it can be eaten plain, it is usually incorporated into refreshing fruit salads, yogurts, ice creams and drinks.
Coconut nata is most often sweetened as a candy or dessert, and can accompany a variety of foods, including pickles, drinks, ice cream, puddings and fruit cocktails.
How is made the nata of coconut?
Coconut nata (also marketed as “coconut jelly”) is a soft, translucent, gelatinous food produced by the fermentation of coconut water, which gels thanks to the production of healthy bacteria called Acetobacter xylinum.
Who created the Nata de Coco?
It was created by Teódula Kalaw Africa in 1973 in the Philippines in an attempt to preserve coconut water as a jelly. Its name comes from Spanish and means “coconut cream” or “coconut milk skin”.In the 19th century, the demand for coconut increased. Coconut products became a major export product of the Philippines (alternative to the traditional Filipino nata de piña which is made from pineapple).
What are the benefits of the nata de coco?
Coconut nata (also marketed as “coconut jelly”) is a soft, translucent, gelatinous food produced by the fermentation of coconut water, which gels thanks to the production of healthy bacteria called Acetobacter xylinum.
Which countries produce nata de coco?
The main nata de coco producing countries are the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia.
The Philippines remains the number 1 producer of nata de coco in the world, offering unbeatable wholesale prices.
Which countries produce nata de coco?
Here's a video explaining how to make nata de coco :
A few additional tips:
- Use fresh coconut meat for tastier coconut nata cubes. It’s best to use fresh coconut.
- Avoid moving the jars during fermentation. If you want your nata de coco to be a success
- Boil the coconut nata cubes to obtain a softer texture.
Frequently asked questions about coconut nata
Is coconut nata halal ?
Coconut nata is simply made with natural ingredients and is not derived from animal protein, so it is a “halal” food.
Is coconut nata halal ?
You can buy nata de coco from our partners Asia Marché on their online store.
Is nata de coco fermented?
Yes, nata de coco is a food fermented with coconut water by the bacterium Acetobacter xylinum.
Is coconut jelly good for you?
Yes, gelatinous coconut jelly is also rich in vitamin C, which acts as a catalyst for the body’s own production of antioxidants. Dietary fiber is essential for digestive health, helping to normalize blood glucose levels and relieve constipation.
