Big demand for tender coconut chips in Thiruvananthapuram; Couple's new business trending

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chop the tender coconut into small pieces and dry it in a dryer; get ready to savour the best chips one could expect. These chips are not fried in oil, which makes them a tad healthier. You can eat it with or without tea. The tender coconut chips, launched by Shameer and Najmi at N.S. House, Karaikkamandapam, Ponnumangalam, and Thiruvananthapuram, is a hit. With the increase in demand, the couple are now generating a good income, more than what they expected.

Coconut chips are also made in vanilla, pineapple and mango flavours. Since they are dried in a dryer for eight hours without adding any oil, they will remain edible for a year. Shameer decided to try making coconut chips after brainstorming on a variety of business ventures. His family stood by him when he told them the decision.

When Shameer realised that tender coconut could not be fried in oil, he tried out the dryer method after learning about the manufacturing ways in foreign countries. After testing it several times, Shameer launched the product in the market.

Hundred grams of chips would cost Rs 100

Tender coconut chips are made three days a week. Shameer says that up to 15 kg are sold in a day.