On hot days, nothing beats glass of a cool drink with a few refreshing, chewy, crunchy pieces of nata de coco. There are many ways to turn raw nata de coco into delicious drinks. The best part is that the process is surprisingly easy, the ingredients are simple to find, and anyone can make it at home.
1. What do you need to know about raw nata de coco?
1.1 What is raw nata de coco made from?
Raw nata de coco (coconut jelly) is a natural cellulose product created through the fermentation of mature coconut water with the Acetobacter xylinum bacterium. In an ideal environment with proper pH levels, the bacteria break down the sugar in the coconut water, then form a thick, white layer of cellulose. That’s raw coconut jelly.
After about 8 to 10 days of fermentation, the jelly is thoroughly washed several times. Workers then slice it into small cubes or long strips, depending on its intended use. After that, the jelly is cooked, sterilized, and vacuum-sealed for storage. When ready to use, simply soak it in water to restore its soft, chewy texture and milky-white color.
1.2 Is raw nata de coco good for you?
Since it’s made from coconut water, raw coconut jelly contains natural fiber, amino acids, and essential minerals that can aid digestion, reduce bad cholesterol, support heart health, and maintain blood pressure. However, it’s best enjoyed in moderation, since overeating may cause bloating or indigestion. For children, parents should cut it into smaller pieces to prevent choking.
2. How to make nata de coco
2.1 Ingredients:
500g raw nata (can be dried or unflavored)
800g rock sugar (adjust to taste)
1 liter of filtered water
3 or 4 pandan leaves
2.2 How to cook raw coconut jelly
Step 1: Put the raw coconut jelly in a bowl of water, then gently squeeze to remove any remaining fermentation film. Rinse several times more to reduce the sour smell. Then soak it in clean water, changing the water every hour. After about 2 to 3 hours, the raw nata will soften, turn translucent and lose its fermentation odor.
Step 2: Blanch the nata briefly in boiling water to remove any leftover sourness. Boil for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring, then drain/rinse one last time.
Step 3: Now for the main part: add water, rock sugar and pandan leaves to a pot. Bring to a boil, then add the nata and cook for around 20 minutes. Once the syrup thickens and has a fragrant aroma, turn off the heat. Let it cool, add ice or put it in the fridge for later use, and you’ll have a refreshing sweet drink with chewy nata pieces.
2.3 Tips for cooking and storing
Making raw nata de coco is simple, but a few small tips can make it even better:
Don’t add flavoring while the nata is still hot. Wait until it cools to about 40°C, then add a few drops. Too much will make it bitter.
For home use, you don’t need artificial flavoring. Try using fruit juice since it’s natural and has a great aroma.
Let the nata air-dry for a day before refrigerating. This helps it stay crunchy for 7 to 10 days.
If you have dried nata, store it at room temperature for up to 3 months, in the fridge for 5 months, or in the freezer for 8 months. When ready to use, soak it in warm water once or twice before cooking.
Finally, simmer the nata gently over low heat so it can absorb the syrup. That’s how you get the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.
3. Where to buy raw nata de coco?
There are many places in Vietnam that sell raw nata de coco, but for the health and safety of your family, it’s best to choose a trusted brand with verified quality.
GC Food is proud to be one of the leading coconut jelly manufacturers in Vietnam. The company operates a modern, internationally standardized production system with advanced machinery imported from Europe, combined with its own in-house innovations to ensure the best quality possible.
Every step of the coconut jelly production process is strictly controlled in a closed-loop system to preserve the natural flavor while meeting all food safety requirements. Thanks to this, GC Food’s products have earned multiple international certifications such as FSSC 22000, HALAL, and FDA approval, guaranteeing world-class quality and safety for consumers.
In short, when preparing raw coconut jelly at home, it’s important to choose a reliable and safe brand. GC Food’s coconut jelly is a convenient topping that pairs well with many dishes. You can easily create refreshing drinks that taste great, are safe for your health, and easy to enjoy.
