Markers of a Good Coconut Oil
It goes without saying that there are a variety of coconut oils available in the market, from refined to virgin and cold-pressed. So, how do you identify the real deal that will benefit you and a cheaper grade coconut oil that doesn’t really do anything for you? We have curated this nifty guide to help you on your quest of choosing the best coconut oil to reap the best benefits.
Choosing the best coconut oil
Taste and smell
Contrary to the belief that the more coconutty the aroma, the truer the coconut oil, the taste and smell of a true coconut oil is subtle and should smell like you’ve just cracked open a fresh coconut. Another factor that determines the authenticity of the oil is if it has a roasted or nutty aroma, it means that the coconut has been heated to at least 115 degrees Fahrenheit, losing most of its inherent properties through the process. It’s also no longer raw.
Oil extraction method
Cold-pressed
You want coconut oil that has been through the cold pressed method from start to finish because this process ensures the reaping of most nutrients. That said, many companies tend to heat the coconut beyond a certain threshold (something cold press method doesn’t involve) to draw out as much meat as possible.
Expeller-pressed
We’ve heard of cold-pressed, so what is expeller-pressed? This method involves squeezing the seed through a barrel-like cavity using friction and continuous pressure which tends to produce higher temperatures. From the aforementioned note, you now know high temperatures are a big no-no especially since it damages the essential nutrients like medium-chain fatty acids and lauric acid, also known as the good stuff.
Containers
Go for glass, glass and more glass and the following reasons are why:
Glass
When it comes to oils, it’s best for it to be stored in sealed glass jars especially since glass is neutral and doesn’t react with the coconut oil, thus concealing its nutrients more effectively.
Plastic
A tell-tale sign of mass produced and lower quality coconut oil lies in its packaging (or lack thereof). We are referring to coconut oils sold in plastic. Though it may cost cheaper than glass jars, it’s not particularly good for health. Coconut oils stored in plastic bottles have altered taste to them. Moreover, the high lauric acid content evident in coconut oil will corrode and react to the plastic over time. You don’t want that for your body.
Refining process
Educating yourself on the refining process of coconut oil is essential in helping you choose the right product with the best quality.
Refined coconut oil
Typically crafted using coconuts at high temperatures, refined coconut oil is tasteless, without strong aroma and not made from fresh coconuts.
RBD
RBD coconut oil is a type of coconut oil that is an abbreviation for 'refined, bleached, and deodorised’. It’s one of the most common types of coconut oil with various applications from cooking, beauty uses and more.
Unrefined coconut oil
Unrefined coconut oil essentially means that the oil is derived from coconut meat through the cold-press method and does not undergo further processing. It’s also regarded as “virgin” or “extra virgin”. These are the highest quality among coconut oil, and the kinds that you need to buy.
