Frugivore Recipe: Coconut-Lover’s Ultimate Coconutty Coconut Balls

To us coconut lovers, coconuts take us to paradise – at least for a few minutes! Besides radiating positive vibes, coconuts are a great source of iron in the fruit-based raw diet! This is only one reason coconut is beneficial for our health: there is a reason coconut oil has been found to be one of the most beneficial fats for humans – it is extracted from one of our species-specific evolutionary food, in contrast to many other types of fat (I’m not advocating isolates, though).

Coconut water and flesh from the nut (the white part is not the fruit but forms the endosperm together with the water) are part of primates’ diet. However, coconut flesh should not become a primary source of calories but is an addition to mainly fruits and greens.

Watch this sweet video of humans and chimps getting coconuts together – we are both frugivores!

Now that we know why we should eat coconut let’s get to our coconut recipe!

It’s always best to eat coconut raw and fresh. However, raw coconut bars and balls are popular for their flavor (especially when combined with sweets) and as a satiating, easy-to-bring raw snack.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded coconut (plus extra for coating)
• 1/2 cup coconut cream (the thick part from a can of full-fat coconut milk)
• 1 tablespoon of almond butter
• 1/2 cup pitted dates (optional)
• A few tablespoons maple syrup or agave syrup (sweeten to your liking)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla (optional)
• A pinch of sea salt (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare dates: If your dates are not soft, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes, then drain.
2. Combine ingredients: In a food processor, add the shredded coconut, coconut cream, almond butter, soaked dates, maple syrup (or agave nectar), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt if desired.
3. Blend: Process the mixture until it forms a sticky, cohesive dough. Stop and scrape down the sides of the food processor as needed. Adjust ingredients to reach the consistency and sweetness that you like!
4. Form the balls: Take about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a ball. If the mixture is too sticky, wet your hands slightly with water.
5. Coat with Shredded Coconut: Roll each ball in the extra shredded coconut, making sure to coat it evenly.
6. Chill: Place the coconut balls on a tray or plate lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
7. Serve and Enjoy!