1. Random/original copra
This type of copra uses the word “carelessly” not without reason. This is because the coconuts used to make copra carelessly are not subject to certain criteria. The size of the coconut is not the same, some are big and some are small. The coconut meat doesn’t have to be smooth and it often has holes or breaks. The color of copra is generally dark brown or black. The dark color of copra is due to the copra drying technique itself.
To get copra carelessly, generally use the direct drying technique in the sun or use the drying method by smoking (Smoke Drying system).
Random Copra Drying Method With Sun Drying System
The method of drying by drying in the sun has been done by coconut farmers for centuries and is still going on today. Although classified as traditional, this method is popular because generally random copra is needed in large quantities so the drying method by drying in the sun is more suitable, in addition to being able to be carried out in large quantities in a large field, it also does not require special tools so that it can cut operating costs.
However, this method is very dependent on the weather so sometimes it takes longer to get copra with reduced moisture content. The color is also not the same. The price of random copra tends to be cheaper than other types of copra because the criteria for random copra are not the same as one another.
Random Copra Drying Method With Smoke Drying System
In addition to using the sun drying method, random copra is also commonly made using the smoke drying system. This type of copra is also known as smoked copra with a characteristic smoke aroma and color that tends to be brown or black.
The characteristics of original copra
- Brown or black
- Not the same size
- There is a hole, something is broken
- Sometimes smells like smoke (smoked copra)
- Prices tend to be cheaper
- Usually a sort of regular copra
2. Regular Copra
Regular copra is a type of copra which is generally white-brown in color. The coconut flesh is thicker than random copra. However, sometimes holes are still found in regular copra. As long as the hole in the copra can still be tolerated, it will enter the regular grade, but if the hole is large and tends to break, it will be included in the category of random copra.
Regular Copra Drying Method With Sun Drying System
Although sometimes the results of the sun drying system method on copra are uneven, regular copra can be found with this method.
Regular Copra Drying Method With UV House Drying System
Regular copra is also made using the UV drying system method. The concept of drying with UV Homes still uses sunlight as the main dryer. The difference with the direct drying method, the UV house consists of a roof and walls made of transparent plastic so that sunlight can penetrate the plastic and the heat can dry the coconut meat that has been arranged in it.
The characteristics of regular copra
- Brownish white color
- Can be perforated but holes can still be tolerated
- Size tends to be larger than edible copra
- Not infrequently regular copra is a sort of edible copra
3.Edible Copra
From a wide selection of existing copra types, until now Edible Copra is the most superior type of copra, premium quality. To make edible copra, the selected coconut must go through a strict sorting process, including hybrid coconut types which are small in size, about 0.6 – 0.8 kilograms, thick flesh, smooth skin and so on. Generally, edible copra is dried using the UV house drying system or oven drying system.
Edible Copra Drying Method With UV House Drying System
UV housing is also one of the methods used for drying edible copra. Apart from being safer from unpredictable weather, the method of drying edible copra with UV housing can also have a more even level of dryness.
Edible Copra Drying Method With Oven Drying System Method
This method requires more costs because it uses a special dryer, namely a special oven. This is what makes this indirect drying method also known as the oven drying system. Coconut is arranged in a drying oven and tightly closed and then heated to a temperature of 40-80 degrees Celsius.
The heat generated from the burning of dry coconut shell fuel will produce smoke which is flown by the blower to flow through the copra drying oven. This method does require more investment but the copra produced will be of better quality with white copra color, the oil produced has a better aroma and taste.
Edible Copra Characteristics
- Small and even size
- The general size is 0.6 – 0.8 kilograms
- Colored white
- Thick coconut flesh
- No holes
- Smooth coconut skin, no blisters
- Prices tend to be more expensive than other types of copra
Thus an explanation of the types of copra, copra characteristics, and copra drying techniques. May be useful.
