Nata de coco is a well-known product that was initially developed in the Philippines. It is currently gaining popularity in the United States due to the remarkable health benefits that it offers. In this article, we’ll take a look at what is nata de coco and how to enjoy it in a nata de coco drink.
Nata de coco is a gel-like coconut product commonly used in drinks (Photo source: Food & Wine)
What is nata de coco?
Nata de coco, also known as coconut jelly, is a chewy, translucent, jelly-like food made from fermented coconut water. It originated in the Philippines and was invented in 1949 by Teódula Kalaw África.
Nata de coco has a unique, chewy texture and a mild, slightly acidic flavor. It’s commonly used in desserts like fruit salads, halo-halo, and beverages such as bubble tea.
Nata de coco can be considered Halal, but it depends on the ingredients and the production process. The main concern is the source of carbon and nitrogen used during fermentation, typically sugar and urea or ammonium sulfate.
If these ingredients are sourced from Halal-certified suppliers and the production process adheres to Halal standards, then nata de coco can be Halal. However, it’s always a good idea to check for Halal certification on the product packaging to be sure.
How to make nata de coco jelly?
The process of making nata de coco jelly is a fascinating technique that takes ordinary items and transforms them into a delicious, chewy treat.
Step 1: Make Coconut Milk
Begin with making fresh coconut milk for the base of your nata de coco jelly. Grate a mature coconut and add it to warm water. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes so that the coconut can release its taste and nutrients.
To extract the coconut milk from grated coconut, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth. You should end up with a smooth, creamy liquid.
Step 2: Prepare the Nata de Coco Solution
Next, prepare the nata de coco solution for fermentation. Combine the fresh coconut milk with glucose, ZA (ammonium sulfate) and acetic acid, heated to 80 °C and cooled down to 30 °C.
You can replace the acetic acid with the leftover liquid from previous nata de coco batches (which contains Acetobacter Xylium). The acetic acid (or Acetobacter Xylium that can create acetic acid) are crucial to forming the jelly.
Next, cover the mixture and let it sit for a few hours.
Step 3: Leave the Nata de Coco to Ferment
For the next few days, place the container in a warm, dry place with temperatures ranging from 25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F). During this period, the fermentation process produces a thick, gelatinous layer on the surface of the coconut milk. This layer is called the nata de coco.
Keep an eye on the fermentation process because it can take longer or shorter depending on the temperature and other variables.
The manufacturing procedure for nata de coco at the factory (Photo source: Coconut Vietnam)
Step 4: Collect the Final Product
When it has finished fermenting, gently take the nata de coco out of the fermentation pot. Remove the layer of gelatin from the liquid using a clean spatula or knife. Using cold running water, rinse the nata de coco to eliminate any leftover fermentation liquid and coagulants.
Cut the nata de coco into little pieces or any shape you like. The nata de coco ought to be firm and chewy by this point. Make sure to drain the pieces well before moving on to the last step.
Step 5: Cook in Sugar Syrup
Coating the nata de coco jelly with sugar syrup is the finishing touch. Make the syrup by dissolving the sugar in water by boiling the two ingredients in a pot. Then, add in the nata de coco and simmer for 30 minutes. The nata de coco chunks will soak up the syrup’s sweet flavor.
The sugar syrup can preserve the nata de coco. After cooking, let the nata de coco cool in the syrup for a few minutes before putting it in jars or other storage containers.
The most popular drinks with nata de coco jelly
Nata de coco jelly is a versatile ingredient that gives a distinctive, chewy texture to a variety of beverages.
Fruit juices with nata de coco
Fruit juices with nata de coco are refreshing beverages that combine the flavors of various fruits with the unique, chewy texture of nata de coco. These drinks are popular for their delightful taste and interesting texture, making them a favorite in many parts of the world.
Jolly Jolly juice drinks with nata de coco jelly (By: Tan Do Beverage)
To make a delicious fruit juice with nata de coco at home, mix 1 cup of your favorite fruit juice (such as mango, pineapple, or orange) with 1/2 cup of nata de coco jelly. Stir thoroughly and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. Serve over ice for a refreshing, chewy, and fruity beverage ideal for a hot day.
Boba tea with nata de coco
Boba tea with nata de coco is a delightful variation of the traditional Taiwanese bubble tea. It combines the classic elements of boba tea—such as tea, milk, and chewy tapioca pearls—with the addition of nata de coco, a jelly-like substance made from fermented coconut water.
Here are some popular boba tea brands that offer drinks with nata de coco:
- Gong Cha: This brand is famous for its high-quality ingredients and diverse flavor options, including boba tea with nata de coco.
- Chatime: Another well-known brand, Chatime provides a range of customizable boba tea drinks, and you can add nata de coco as a topping.
- Kung Fu Tea: This brand prides itself on using natural ingredients and offers boba tea with nata de coco among its many topping choices.
To create a delightful boba tea with nata de coco at home, brew 1 cup of your favorite tea (such as black or green tea) and allow to cool.
To sweeten, mix in 2 tablespoons sugar or honey. In a glass, mix 1/4 cup cooked boba pearls and 1/4 cup nata de coco jelly. Pour the tea over the mixture, then add ice, stir thoroughly, and enjoy!
Coconut milk drink with nata de coco
Refreshing and full of flavor, a coconut milk drink with nata de coco mixes the chewy texture of nata de coco with the creamy richness of coconut milk. Many find this beverage irresistible due to its one-of-a-kind blend of flavors and textures.
All you need to make a simple coconut milk with nata de coco jelly is adding 1/4 cup of the jelly to 1 cup of chilled coconut milk. For sweetness, add a tablespoon of honey or sugar and mix well. You can add a splash of vanilla or pandan powder to make it taste better.
Tea drinks with nata de coco jelly
Tea drinks with coconut jelly are a delightful variation of traditional tea beverages.
A simple homemade tea drink with coconut jelly is 1 cup of your preferred tea (e.g., green or jasmine) brewed and let to cool. To make it sweeter, stir in 1/4 cup of coconut jelly and 1/4 spoonful of honey or sugar. After a thorough stirring, transfer the mixture to the fridge to chill. For a tasty, tangy, and delightfully chewy drink, serve with ice.
Yogurt drinks with nata de coco
Refreshing and delicious, yogurt drinks with nata de coco mix the tangy, creamy flavor of yogurt with the chewy texture of nata de coco.
Mogu Mogu’s pleasing sweetness will refresh your body and mind (Photo source: Mogu Mogu)
To make a delightful yogurt drink with nata de coco at home, combine 1 cup plain or flavored yogurt with 1/4 cup nata de coco jelly.
Add a tablespoon of honey or your choice sweetener, then stir until thoroughly blended. Add some chopped fruit, such as strawberries or mango, for a refreshing touch. Serve chilled for a creamy, zesty beverage with a delightful chewy texture.
Conclusion
Nata de coco jelly is an excellent and multipurpose ingredient that gives many drinks a special texture. Learning what is nata de coco may take your nata de coco drinks to the next level.
Tan Do provides full OEM and ODM services to beverage manufacturers who are interested in incorporating nata de coco jelly into their beverages. If you want to meet the expectations of the market with nata de coco items of the highest quality, our team can assist you. Contact us today to learn more about Tan Do’s nata de coco drinks and how we may help you realize your dreams.
