You dry coconut in the sun by splitting open the coconuts and spreading the coconut meat (cups) on an open surface to dry. This process typically takes about 8 days.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of sun drying coconuts:
Steps for Sun Drying Coconut:
- Harvesting Coconuts: Begin by harvesting mature coconuts.
- Splitting the Coconuts: Split the coconuts in half to expose the coconut meat. This creates what are often referred to as "cups."
- Removing the Meat (Optional): While traditionally dried within the shell, the meat can be removed from the shell halves to speed up the drying process.
- Spreading the Coconut Meat: Spread the coconut "cups" or removed meat on a clean, open surface where they will receive direct sunlight. This can be on mats, concrete slabs, or raised platforms.
- Sun Drying: Allow the coconut meat to dry in the sun for approximately 8 days, depending on the weather conditions. Turn the meat periodically to ensure even drying.
- Monitoring Moisture Content: Regularly check the moisture content of the coconut meat. Properly dried copra should have a moisture content of around 6-7%.
- Protecting from Contamination: One of the challenges of sun drying is preventing dirt and dust from contaminating the coconut meat. Consider covering the drying copra with netting during dusty periods or at night.
Challenges and Considerations:
- Quality Deterioration: Dirt and dust accumulation on the wet meat during sun drying can lead to a decrease in copra quality.
- Weather Dependence: The drying process is heavily reliant on consistent sunlight. Cloudy or rainy weather can significantly extend the drying time and increase the risk of spoilage.
- Labor Intensive: Regularly turning the coconut meat is necessary for even drying, which can be labor-intensive.
Alternatives to Sun Drying:
While sun drying is a traditional method, alternative drying methods such as kiln drying and solar drying offer more controlled and efficient drying processes.
