Coconut oil is a versatile home helper. It is obtained through careful processing of coconut meat and carries their typical aroma. Due to its health benefits, it has gained popularity particularly in Ayurvedic and vegetarian cuisine. It is also widely used in the production of homemade cosmetics. Sometimes it is rightly referred to as a "universal multitasker."
Source of beneficial MCT fats
The nutritional benefit of coconut oil is mainly associated with its high content of medium-chain fatty acids (known as MCT fats). This type of fat serves primarily as a quick source of energy and also supports metabolism. Interestingly, pure MCT oil, extracted from coconut oil, is used as a sports supplement that supplies energy to the body without burdening digestion.
Gentle production method
Coconut oil can be produced using two technologies: through "dry" or "wet" milling. In dry processing, it is dried using fire, sunlight, or an oven.
The method of wet milling, which is used to produce our coconut oil, is significantly gentler. This process uses raw coconut. After harvesting, the coconuts are cracked open, peeled, and the meat is grated. A fine pulp is created, which is heated to a maximum of 42 °C to evaporate water. From this mass, high-quality coconut oil is then cold-pressed.
Coconut oil in the kitchen
Virgin coconut oil is a healthy culinary ingredient when used for gentle cooking methods, such as steaming or sautéing. However, when it exceeds the so-called smoke point – for unrefined (virgin) coconut oil, this is reached at 175 °C – it becomes unstable and chemical changes begin to occur.
The smoke point is indicated by the oil starting to smoke and splatter in the pan. Some substances that are formed during overheating are hazardous to health and are considered carcinogenic. Therefore, we should avoid overheating coconut oil.
For cooking methods that involve high temperatures (typically frying or baking), it is necessary to use fats with a higher smoke point – ideally 200 °C and above.
Uses of coconut oil at home
Having coconut oil at home for universal use is worthwhile. It is excellent for massages and skin care, for example, in baths, after sun exposure, as a tooth oil, hair wrap, or lubricant.
How to properly use it on the skin?
BIO coconut oil is particularly ideal for dry and sensitive skin. To get the most benefit from it, it is necessary to apply it to previously damp skin or the tips of the hair.
Its advantage is its long shelf life. Coconut oil oxidizes very slowly and resists rancidity. It has a lifespan of approximately two years.
Ingredients: cold-pressed organic coconut oil
Nutritional values per 100 g
Energy value | 3592 kJ / 862 kcal
Fat | 100 g
-- of which saturated fat | 86.6 g
Carbohydrates | 0 g
-- of which sugars | 0 g
Fiber | 0 g
Protein | 0 g
Salt | 0 g
Storage:
Store in a dry and dark place at a temperature between 5 °C and 35 °C.