Indulge in the rich flavors of the Caribbean with our Jamaican Coconut Drops. These delightful candies are handcrafted using freshly grated coconut, infused with the warmth of ginger, and sweetened with just the right amount of sugar and spices. Each bite offers a burst of tropical goodness, transporting you to the sunny shores of Jamaica with every taste. Whether you're craving a sweet treat or looking to explore the vibrant flavors of the islands, our Coconut Drops are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.

Here's a recipe for making Jamaican Coconut Drops:

Ingredients:

 - 2 cups freshly grated coconut (or desiccated coconut)

 - 1 cup granulated sugar

 - 1/4 cup water

 - 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

 - Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1- Prepare the Coconut: If you're using fresh coconut, grate it finely using a grater. If you're using desiccated coconut, ensure it's unsweetened.

2- Combine Sugar and Water: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves completely, forming a syrup.

3- Add Spices: Once the sugar has dissolved, add the grated ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to the syrup. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to infuse the flavors.

4- Add Coconut: After the syrup has simmered for a few minutes, add the grated coconut to the saucepan. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure the coconut is evenly coated with the syrup and spices.

5- Cook Until Thickened: Continue to cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and becomes sticky. This should take about 10-15 minutes. Be careful not to let it burn; reduce the heat if necessary.

6- Test for Doneness: To check if the mixture is done, take a small amount and drop it into a bowl of cold water. It should form a soft ball and hold its shape. If it's too soft, continue cooking for a few more minutes.

7- Shape the Drops: Once the mixture has reached the desired consistency, remove the saucepan from the heat. Using a spoon, drop small portions of the coconut mixture onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, shaping them into small rounds or drops. You can also use your hands to shape them if the mixture is cool enough to handle.

8- Let Them Cool: Allow the coconut drops to cool completely at room temperature. As they cool, they will firm up and become more solid.

9- Enjoy: Once cooled, your Jamaican Coconut Drops are ready to enjoy! Serve them as a delightful tropical treat or package them in airtight containers for gifting or storing.

These Jamaican Coconut Drops are a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and tropical flavors, making them a delightful indulgence for any occasion. Enjoy the taste of the Caribbean with every bite!

Nutritional Values:

Here are approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in the Jamaican Coconut Drops recipe:

Here's the recipe for the coconut filling with the preferred formatting:

2 Cups Freshly Grated Coconut (or Desiccated Coconut):

- Calories:

 - Freshly Grated: 640 kcal

 - Desiccated: 720 kcal

- Fat:

 - Freshly Grated: 56 g

 - Desiccated: 68 g

- Carbohydrates:

 - Freshly Grated: 24 g

 - Desiccated: 30 g

- Protein:

 - Freshly Grated: 6 g

 - Desiccated: 8 g

Benefits:

- Provides healthy fats and a rich, nutty flavor.

- Fresh coconut has a slightly lower calorie count and less fat compared to desiccated coconut.

- Contains dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as manganese and copper.

1 Cup Granulated Sugar:

- Calories: 774 kcal

- Fat: 0 g

- Carbohydrates: 200 g

- Protein: 0 g

Benefits:

- Adds sweetness and enhances flavor.

- Provides quick energy from carbohydrates.

1/4 Cup Water:

- Calories: 0 kcal

- Fat: 0 g

- Carbohydrates: 0 g

- Protein: 0 g

Benefits:

- Helps dissolve sugar and integrate it into the coconut mixture without adding calories or nutrients.

1 Tablespoon Grated Fresh Ginger:

- Calories: 5 kcal

- Fat: 0.1 g

- Carbohydrates: 1 g

- Protein: 0.1 g

Benefits:

- Contains gingerol, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

- Adds a warm, spicy flavor and may aid digestion.

1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon:

- Calories: 6 kcal

- Fat: 0.03 g

- Carbohydrates: 2 g

- Protein: 0.1 g

Benefits:

- Contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation.

- May improve blood sugar levels and support heart health.

1/4 Teaspoon Ground Nutmeg:

- Calories: 6 kcal

- Fat: 0.3 g

- Carbohydrates: 1.4 g

- Protein: 0.1 g

Benefits:

- Contains antioxidants and may support overall health.

- Adds a warm, spicy flavor.

Pinch of Salt:

- Calories: 0 kcal

- Fat: 0 g

- Carbohydrates: 0 g

- Protein: 0 g

Benefits:

- Enhances the flavors of the coconut mixture.

- Essential for maintaining fluid balance and supporting nerve and muscle function.

Please note that these values are approximate and may vary based on factors such as brand, freshness, and specific ingredients used. Additionally, the nutritional values provided are for the entire batch of coconut drops and should be divided by the number of servings for individual portion sizes.