Virgin Coconut Oil

Virgin coconut oil is slightly different to regular oil and an important consideration if you’re thinking of buying some.

Virgin coconut oil is different to regular coconut oil due to the way it is processed. The virgin coconut oil is made from fresh coconuts as apposed to the dried ones or ‘copra’ as it is known.

The meat from the fresh coconuts is removed mechanically or by natural means.

The precious nutrients that have so many health benefits are retained because no further chemical refining, bleaching or deodorizing is necessary. It can be consumed straight from source without any artificial processing.

The best quality virgin coconut oil should be virtually colorless, residue free with a coconut taste and scent.

According to the standards set by Department of Trade and Industry of the Philippines (the worlds largest exporter of coconuts), virgin coconut oil must be colorless, sediment free with natural fresh coconut scent and free from rancid odors or tastes.

Virgin coconut oil is regarded as the highest quality coconut oil and is preferred for food preparation and home medicinal use. It is a more labor intensive process and therefore it costs more to buy in our stores.

The only way to know for sure you’re buying the best virgin coconut oil is to look for the organic label. If it is labeled ‘certified organic’, it means the whole process from growth to production, is done organically.

If you want to use coconut oil for the hair or skin, then the less expensive coconut oil products are fine to use.

There are several manufacturers and retail outlets selling coconut oil products. As with any type of health food, it is worth doing a little research on the company before paying for an expensive coconut oil product. Find out what country it sources its coconut from and what processing methods are used in its production.

Virgin v’s Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Don’t be misled into thinking there is an even better coconut oil available as ‘extra’ virgin coconut oil. This is just a marketing ploy that was originally used in the olive oil industry. Virgin coconut oil is as good as it can get and there is no other standard to produce a better result.