Stew

• Shredded raw coconut meat is a common ingredient in the savory, one-pot dishes of Jamaican, Indian and Thai cuisines. It can be sprinkled onto hot stews or curries as a sweet topping. Raw coconut goes well with chicken or vegetable-based stews because the mild flavors blend well together without becoming overwhelming.

Desserts

• Cupcakes, cakes, pies and cookies can all be flavored or topped with shredded raw coconut. It typically pairs well with the flavors of vanilla, chocolate or tropical fruit-flavored desserts. As a topping, shredded raw coconut can also be used for decorative purposes for desserts because it adds a fluffy appearance when sprinkled on top. It can also be sprinkled onto ice cream as a sundae topping.

Salads

• Raw coconut adds a burst of sweet flavor to both sweet and savory salads. It is a traditional accompaniment to fruit salads, particularly fruit salads consisting of tropical fruits like pineapple, oranges, papayas or mangoes. Raw coconut can also be sprinkled onto savory lettuce-based salads to add a more depth of flavor, especially if the salad also contains nuts or dried fruits and is already using both savory and sweet tastes.

Snacks

• For a sweet and salty snack, raw coconut can be combined with granola, nuts, dried fruits or chocolate pieces for trail mix. The raw coconut adds a chewy texture that combines well with the crunchiness of the granola or nuts. Its sweet, nutty flavor counterbalances the salt of the nuts and the tartness of any dried fruits for a well-balanced snack mix.

Grains

• Cooked grains, such as rice and oatmeal, can benefit from a sprinkling of shredded raw coconut. As the coconut melts into the warm grains, it adds a creamy texture and slightly sweet taste. Stirring coconut milk into the warmed rice or oatmeal can add an even stronger coconut flavor and ensure the entire coconut is utilized.