Coconut candy

Coconut candy is a delightful treat made from fresh coconut or coconut flavorings, available in many varieties. In Vietnamese cuisine, the most famous type is kẹo dừa, primarily produced in the Bến Tre province, often referred to as the "Land of Coconuts." This candy is traditionally crafted using coconut milk and cream, following age-old techniques passed down through generations.

Here's how it's made: Fresh coconut flesh is grated, and the milk and cream are extracted. These are then combined with malt syrup and sugar. The mixture is heated and stirred continuously until it caramelizes. It is then poured into molds, allowed to cool, cut into pieces, and packaged. Traditionally, these candies are wrapped in edible rice paper and paper soaked in vegetable oil, though modern methods often use heat-sealed foil paper for packaging.

Bến Tre is home to numerous coconut candy manufacturers, with some brands gaining significant recognition. These candies are not only popular in Vietnam but are also exported to various countries across Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America.

In the United States, coconut candy has its own unique history. It was sometimes spelled as "cocoanut candy" and included classics like Mason Pecan Cocoanut Candy and Squirrel Brand Cocoanut Zippers. There were also unique treats like sauerkraut candy, made with grated coconut, and various chocolate confections featuring grated coconut.

Globally, several popular types of coconut candies include the Bounty chocolate bar, coconut ice, Ferrero Raffaello, Perle de Coco, and Ounhmangu.