Coconut Flour

A great gluten-free alternative!

What Is So Special About Coconut Flour?

Coconut flour is uniquely different from wheat alternatives. It is naturally low in digestible carbohydrates and contains no gluten. It has less carbohydrates than soy or nut flours, but is high in fiber and a good source of protein. Coconut flour is 4 times higher in fiber than oat bran, 2 times higher in fiber than wheat bran, and 3 times higher in fiber than ground flaxseed. Unlike other fibers, coconut flour/fiber can be used as a flour to make delicious bakery products and main dishes that are much tastier than their wheat alternatives. Coconut flour also contains more protein than white, rye flour or cornmeal. It has as much protein as buckwheat or whole wheat flours. Breads made with coconut flour are light and soft and have a wonderful taste and texture.

Coconut Flour vs. Wheat Alternatives

Wheat alternatives are commonly based on flours made from rice, soy and potatoes. Even though these products do not contain gluten, most substitutes for wheat are still high in carbohydrates. Unfortunately, the taste and texture of products made with wheat alternatives are not nearly as appetizing as the products they replace. In addition, these products are often loaded with flavor enhancers and sweeteners to help make them more palatable. Normally, products made with wheat alternatives are "enjoyed" only by those who are forced to do without wheat and have no choice.

How is Wilderness Family Naturals' Coconut Flour different from other brands?

Wilderness Family Naturals' Coconut flour is produced similar to other coconut flours with a few exceptions: The organic coconuts are dried at low temperatures and when the dried coconut is pressed it is pressed slowly and carefully so no heat is generated and no "toasting" of the flakes occurs. You will notice that this organic coconut flour is white rather than the beige or light tan of other brands. Because of this gentle process, which generates little or no heat, there is slightly more oil in the coconut flour and more flavor. We find this preferable when making baked goods or making gluten-free mixes.

How to Use Coconut Flour in Your Kitchen:

As a rule, you need to add approximately 6 eggs for every ½ cup of coconut flour you use in your recipe and will need to increase liquids because the fiber greatly absorbs liquid. Eggs will take the place of the gluten found in wheat, and help the fiber to stick together. Other people who want to increase their fiber intake, but do not want to bake or make anything, add coconut flour to smoothies. Coconut flour is more palatable in smoothies than any other fiber, even though it supplies significantly more roughage than any other source.

Adding Coconut Flour to Your Favorite Recipe:

Because Coconut flour does not contain any gluten, it will fall apart if you substitute it 100% for another flour in a wheat based recipe. You can, however, substitute up to 25% (15-20% is best) of that flour with coconut flour. In addition, whatever amount of coconut flour you use, you need to increase the liquid in your recipe by that same measure. So, for example, if your recipe calls for 2 cups of wheat flour, you could use 1 ½ cups of wheat flour, ½ cup of coconut flour, and ½ cup of additional liquid such as milk, water, or juice. This will greatly increase the fiber content of that food.

Using 100% Coconut Flour:

As a rule, you need to add approximately 6 eggs for every ½ cup of coconut flour you use in your recipe and will need to increase liquids because the fiber greatly absorbs liquid.  Eggs will take the place of the gluten found in wheat, and help the fiber to stick together. Other people who want to increase their fiber intake, but do not want to bake or make anything, add coconut flour to smoothies. Coconut flour is more palatable in smoothies than any other fiber, even though it supplies significantly more roughage than any other source.

Coconut Flour Brownies

1/3 cup of Butter or Coconut oil
1/2 cup Cocoa powder
6 eggs
1 cup of sugar
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla
1/2 cup sifted coconut flour
1 cup nuts, chopped (optional)

In a saucepan at low heat, blend together butter and cocoa powder. Remove from heat and let cool. In a bowl, mix together eggs, sugar, salt and vanilla. Stir in cocoa mixture and whisk the batter until there are no lumps. Folds in nuts. Pour batter into a greased 11x7x2 inch or 8x8x2 inch pan. Bake at 350° F (175° C) for 30-35 minutes.

Roxana's Coconut Cake

1½ c. of Coconut Flour
1c. Evaporated cane juice powder
½c. Buttermilk or Plain Kefir
1/3 c. Coconut Oil (Expeller Pressed Oil)
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. Vanilla
6 eggs
(Optional) - Raw Cacao Nibs can be added to the batter at the end.

Heat Oven to 350 degrees. Grease with coconut oil and flour 9 inch round cake pan. Beat all ingredients in medium bowl with electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, scraping bowl constantly. Beat on high speed for 3 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Add the Cacao nibs, then pour batter into baking pan. (Double if you would like to bake a 2-layer Coconut Cake) Bake 35-40 minutes, cool for 10 minutes. Remove from pan and cool completely.

Frosting

1 jar of coconut spread
1/2 c. Evaporated Cane Juice/Favorite sweetener
1/2 c. Large Dehydrated unsweetened coconut flakes
1/4 c. softened raw butter or Centrifuged Coconut Oil (do not melt the butter or oil)

Melt the coconut spread in a bowl of warm water, stir it up till it's creamy and smooth. Add softened butter and sugar, beat well till smooth and creamy. Sprinkle coconut flakes on top of coconut cake and add raw cacao nibs. This recipe can be adjusted to your taste for sweetness and creaminess, Add or take some away.

Coconut Balls

• Sweetener approximately 3/4 cup (may use your sweetener of your choice)
• Eggs: 2
• Coconut Flour: approximately 2 cups
• Orange peel from 1 orange

Whisk the eggs until they are stiff together with the sugar. Add the grated orange peel. When the mixture is frothy, add the coconut flour. Add enough coconut flour until it is crumbly but still soft and moist. Let it rest for 5 minutes. Grease an oven pan and form small balls with your hands from the mixture. The mixture should be just perfect for making into balls. Arrange them on the pan. Put them into the oven when it is hot and bake for 15 minutes at a medium temperature.

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