Coconut candy is an essential snack for entertaining guests during the Tet holiday. However, achieving the desired viscosity and characteristic flavor can be challenging. Here are four mistakes to avoid when making coconut candy:
1. Insufficient crystallization
This is a common issue when making coconut candy. The main reason for this is using an inadequate amount of sugar. To prevent watery coconut candy, make sure to use 500-600g of sugar for every 1kg of coconut meat. If the candy doesn’t crystallize, add more sugar until it reaches the desired dryness.
Ensure that 1kg of coconut meat corresponds to 500 or 600g of sugar
2. Burnt sugar when roasting
Using a high heat source while roasting the coconut candy can easily lead to burnt sugar. To prevent this, keep the heat low and continue roasting until the candy crystallizes. If the sugar becomes sticky and the candy sticks together, clean off the old sugar and add the right amount of new sugar to continue the process.
You should keep the heat low and continue roasting until the coconut candy crystallizes
3. Dry and hard coconut candy
Dry and hard coconut candy can be disappointing. To avoid this, avoid over-roasting the candy even after it has crystallized. Over-roasting can result in a burnt yellow color and a bitter taste. Instead, roast it just until it feels slightly heavy and then remove it from the heat. Continue flipping it until it reaches the crystalline state.
You should continue roasting the coconut candy only until it feels slightly heavy
4. Watery and mushy coconut candy
After roasting and crystallization, the coconut candy may become watery and mushy over time. To prevent this, allow the candy to dry in front of a fan for 30 minutes to an hour, air dry for 15 to 30 minutes, or bake in the oven at 100°C for 15 minutes. After that, continue tossing the candy in front of the fan and let it dry for 2-3 hours.
In the case of young coconut candy, soak it in sugar water for a longer time to remove excess water. Young coconut meat contains more water than old coconut meat, so this will help it dry faster during roasting.
You can dry the coconut candy in front of a fan, air dry, or bake in the oven
This is our advice on avoiding four mistakes when making coconut candy for Tet. By following these tips, you can ensure that your coconut candy is not watery and achieves the desired crystalline state.
Delicious Homemade Coconut Jam Recipe for Tet Holiday
Coconut jam is one of the familiar traditional jams that cannot be missed during the Tet holiday. In the first few days of the new year, almost every family prepares coconut jam, peanut candy, dried mango jam, … in various colors to invite guests to come and enjoy. In fact, you can completely make delicious coconut jam at home with simple ingredients and different methods.
