A Guide to the Different Types of Coconut Oil
Coconuts has been a staple crop of the Philippines since colonial times. The Spanish used the coconut fibers to rig their galleons and coconut oil as food for their sailors.
By the 18th century, coconut oil was now the main ingredient for the rising demand for soap and margarine. The Philippines exported most of the coconut oil it produces to Europe.
The traditional way of extracting coconut oil was with the use of extreme heat. Raw coconut meat is heated in a big cooking pot and simmered until the oil starts to come out. It will continue to simmer until the water evaporates and what's left is the oil. The oil is then skimmed and stored in a glass or mason jar for later use.
The demand for healthy products have gone up in recent years. Today, different ways of extracting the coconut oil are now available. These methods are Cold Pressed, Fermentation and Centrifuged.
The most common method is Cold Pressed. Two cylinders rotate one inside the other as coconut meat goes through them. The meat is then pressed between these two cylinders producing coconut oil. The friction between these cylinders produces heat. This gives a very strong aroma and heavy taste to cold pressed coconut oil.
This strong aroma and taste is not inherent in pure coconut oil. Only with the application of heat do these traits appear. Some nutrients are also lost during the cold pressed process due to heat.
The fermentation process is a traditional way of extracting coconut oil. Warm water is added to grated coconut meat and pressed to produce coconut milk. It is then left and allowed to ferment for 24 hours. This allows the solid and water contents to separate from the oil.
The process produces coconut oil that has a stronger aroma and heavier taste. This method is not common as it's use is very limited due to its aroma and taste.
In contrast to the other two methods, the centrifuged process uses little to no heat. Coconut meat is introduced into a rotating cylinder. This forces the solids and the water to separate from the oil. The oil is then filtered to separate tubes and collected.
With this method, the application of heat is almost non-existent. This produces a very high quality coconut oil. One with a mild aroma and light taste. Very close to what pure coconut oil is in nature.
Because of its mild aroma and light taste it is easy to consume. It's perfect for cooking as it does not overpower other ingredients. Commercially, it works well with cosmetics, massage oils, liniments and many others.
Among all three methods, the centrifuged process is the most advanced. It also produces the highest quality coconut oil. Perfect for everyday use.
AG Nutriceutical uses the centrifuged process when producing their coconut oil. This means that you can expect a high quality coconut oil at an affordable price.
If you are looking for the best Virgin Coconut Oil in the market, come and check AG Nutriceutical.
Remember select what's best for you. Choose wisely and live healthy. Choose VCO Fresh!
READY TO START? Feel free to browse our infographics section first to get more information about how you can apply your chosen Virgin Coconut Oil in everyday life. You can also contact us if you have any questions about virgin coconut oil - it's application, processes, etc.
