If you've had halo-halo or Filipino fruit salad before, you may have noticed small, chewy cubes mixed into the dessert. Those cubes are called nata de coco.
It's a common ingredient in many Filipino desserts and drinks. It doesn't have a strong flavor, but its chewy texture makes desserts more fun to eat.
In this guide, you'll learn what nata de coco is, what it tastes like, and how it's used in desserts and drinks.
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What is Nata de Coco?
Nata de coco is a chewy jelly made from fermented coconut water.
During fermentation, natural bacteria turn the coconut water into a firm, jelly-like layer. This layer is then cut into small cubes and usually soaked in sweet syrup.
Nata de coco doesn't have a strong flavor on its own, but it has a firm, chewy texture that works well in desserts and drinks.
What Does Nata de Coco Taste Like?
Nata de coco has a mild, slightly sweet taste.
On its own, it doesn't have much flavor. Most of the time, the sweetness comes from the syrup it's packed in.
What really makes nata de coco stand out is its firm, chewy texture. That's why it's often added to desserts and drinks - it gives them a nice bite.
How is Nata de Coco Made?
Nata de coco is made by fermenting coconut water.
First, coconut water is collected and filtered. Then a type of bacteria is added to start the fermentation.
Over several days, the coconut water turns into a thick, jelly-like layer.
This layer is then cut into small cubes, rinsed, and usually soaked in sweet syrup before it is packaged and sold.
Where to Buy Nata de Coco
Nata de coco is usually sold in Asian grocery stores.
You'll often find it in jars or plastic containers, already cut into small cubes and packed in sweet syrup. Some versions are plain, while others are flavored with fruit like pandan, mango, or lychee.
In the Philippines, you may also find unsweetened nata de coco, which can be used in cooking or desserts where you control the sweetness.
How to Store Nata de Coco
Unopened nata de coco can be kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Once opened, store it in the refrigerator and keep it covered in its syrup. Use a clean spoon each time to keep it fresh.
For best quality, try to use it within about 1 to 2 weeks after opening.
Freezing is not recommended because it can change the texture.
Filipino Recipes with Nata de Coco
Nata de coco is often added to desserts and drinks for its chewy texture. Here are some popular ways it's used:
- Buko salad: A creamy fruit salad made with young coconut, nata de coco, and mixed fruits.
- Fruit salad: A sweet fruit mix with cream, condensed milk, and nata de coco.
- Mango sago: A creamy dessert made with mangoes, sago, and nata de coco.
- Buko pandan: A creamy dessert made with young coconut, pandan-flavored jelly, and nata de coco.
- Halo-halo: A shaved ice dessert with many ingredients like ube halaya, sweet beans, fruits, jellies, and sometimes nata de coco.
- Palamig or samalamig: Cold street drinks in the Philippines that may include ingredients like gulaman, sago, or nata de coco.
FAQs About Nata de Coco
No. Nata de coco is made from coconut water, not the coconut meat.
Nata de coco contains some fiber and is low in fat. However, the versions sold in stores are usually packed in sweet syrup, so it's best enjoyed in moderation.
Yes. Like many people, i like eating it on its own as a sweet snack, but it's more commonly added to desserts and drinks.
Yes. Nata de coco is a type of coconut jelly made from fermented coconut water. It's usually cut into small chewy cubes and used in desserts and drinks.
No. Nata de coco sold in stores is already processed and ready to eat.
Some versions are packed in sweet syrup, while others are plain and not sweetened yet.
If it's unsweetened, you can add sugar or syrup depending on how you plan to use it
More Filipino Food Guide
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Myrna says
Yum!! I love nata de coco, actually i love eating it by itself. I love anything with nata de coco.
Nora Rey says
HAHA me too!!! I used to go to a salad bar as a kid and fill my bowl with nothing but nata de coco. So, you are not alone, Myrna! haha