When we think of coconuts, we often imagine refreshing coconut water or aromatic coconut oil sizzling in a pan. But what happens after that oil is extracted? The answer lies in a lesser-known but incredibly valuable by-product- copra meaning.
In this post, we’ll break down what copra cake is, how it’s made, and why it plays a surprisingly important role in agriculture and animal nutrition.
What Is Copra Cake?
Dry Fruit Market, also known as copra meal, is the solid residue that remains after extracting oil from dried coconut meat (copra). Once the oil is mechanically or chemically removed from the copra, the leftover pressed material forms a dense, dry cake—hence the name.
Although it may seem like just agricultural waste, copra cake is far from useless.
How Is Copra Cake Made?
The production of copra cake follows a fairly straightforward process:
Harvesting: Mature coconuts are harvested and their meat is extracted.
Drying: The coconut meat (now called copra) is dried using sun, smoke, or kiln-drying methods.
Oil Extraction: The dried copra is pressed or solvent-extracted to produce coconut oil.
Residue Collection: The remaining solid mass is compacted into blocks or ground into powder—this is the copra cake.
What Is Copra Cake Used For?
1. Animal Feed
Copra cake is widely used as a high-fiber feed supplement for livestock—particularly cattle, goats, sheep, and poultry. It contains:
18–25% protein
8–10% fat
High levels of energy and fiber
Farmers often mix it with other feed ingredients to promote animal growth, milk production, and overall health.
Fun Fact: Copra cake is especially favored in tropical countries where coconuts are abundant, such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and India.
2. Organic Fertilizer
The leftover cake is also rich in nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, making it a great natural soil amendment. Farmers compost it or apply it directly to fields as organic fertilizer.
3. Industrial Use
In some regions, copra from coconut meal is used in the production of biomass fuel, biochar, or even as a base in aquafeeds for fish farming.
Is Copra Cake Sustainable?
Absolutely. Copra cake is a zero-waste solution in the coconut industry:
Reduces food production waste
Provides a cost-effective feed option for farmers
Supports local agriculture and circular economies
By using every part of the coconut, farmers and processors contribute to more sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.
Final Thoughts
Coconut type cake may not have the glamour of coconut oil or the popularity of coconut water, but it’s a hidden gem in the coconut industry. As a nutrient-rich, versatile byproduct, it quietly supports farms, feeds animals, nourishes soil, and reduces waste.
