But the most valuable byproduct of this multifunctional fruit is copra oil, which is pressed from dried coconut meat for many different applications. With a rich history dating back to the 5th century, coconuts have long been cultivated in tropical regions throughout the Pacific Islands, India, China, Africa, and South America.
What is copra used for?
Copra has traditionally been grated and ground, then boiled in water to extract coconut oil. It was used by Pacific island cultures and became a valuable commercial product for merchants in the South Seas and South Asia in the 1860s.
What is copra & how is it made?
Copra is the dried kernel or meat of a coconut that is commonly used to produce coconut oil. In coconut farming, copra is produced by removing the husk of a mature coconut and then extracting the white flesh inside. The flesh is then dried either by sun drying or by using mechanical dryers until it is completely dry and brittle.
What is dry copra used for?
The dry copra may be stored for longer periods of time and used directly in food preparations (after cutting it) or its oil may be extracted. Different methods are used to produce various grades of coconut oil, either from freshly produced meat of coconut or the dried meat of the coconut, i.e., copra.