Virgin coconut oil
can be produced from fresh coconut milk, meat, or residue.
Producing it from the fresh meat involves either wet-milling or drying the residue, and using a screw press to extract the oil.
Virgin coconut oil can also be extracted from fresh meat by grating and drying it to a moisture content of 10–12%, then using a manual press to extract the oil.
Producing it from coconut milk involves grating the coconut and mixing it with water, then squeezing out the oil.
The milk can also be fermented for 36–48 hours, the oil removed, and the cream heated to remove any remaining oil.
A third option involves using a centrifuge to separate the oil from the other liquids.
Coconut oil can also be extracted from the dry residue left over from the production of coconut milk.
It has gained immense popularity due to its numerous health and beauty benefits. Packed with essential nutrients, this natural oil offers a versatile solution for various needs.
A thousand mature coconuts weighing approximately 1,440 kilograms yield around 170 kgof copra from which around 70 litres of coconut oil can be extracted.
VCO Abbreviation is Virgin coconut oil
Type of Fatty acid content of coconut oil |
||
| Fatty acids | Range | Typical |
| Myristic saturated | C14 | 48% |
| Palmitic saturated | C16 | 16% |
| Capric saturated | C10 | 0.095 |
| Caprylic saturated | C8 | 8% |
| Oleic monounsaturated | C18:1 | 7% |
| Other | 6.50% | |
| Properties of coconut oil The nutritional values are expressed as percent (%) by mass of total fat. |
||
| Acid name | Range | Type |
| Saturated fatty acids | 82.5 | |
| Monounsaturated fatty acids Total | 6.3 | |
| Monounsaturated fatty acids Oleic acid | 6 | ω−9 |
| Polyunsaturated fatty acids Total | 1.7 | |
| Polyunsaturated fatty acids α-Linolenic acid | 0.019 | ω−3 |
| Polyunsaturated fatty acids Linolenic acid | 1.8 | ω−6 |
| Polyunsaturated fatty acids Ratio | 88:01:00 | ω−6:3 |
| Smoke point | 175°C (347 °F) | |
| Synonyms | ||
| coconut oil, coconut fat, coconut palm, coconut palm fruit, Virgin coconut oil, | ||
virgin coconut oil Benefits:
Weight Management: The medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in virgin coconut oil can boost metabolism and aid in weight loss.
Heart Health: Studies suggest that coconut oil may improve cholesterol levels and support heart health.
Immunity Boost: The lauric acid in coconut oil can enhance immune function, helping to fight infections.
Skin Care: Virgin coconut oil can moisturize dry skin, reduce inflammation, and even help with acne. Apply directly to your skin as a moisturizer or use it in homemade skincare products.
Hair Care: It can nourish the scalp, promote hair growth, and add shine to your locks. Massage into your scalp and hair, leaving it on for a few hours or overnight before washing.
Cooking: Virgin coconut oil can be used for cooking and baking or frying, adding a delicious tropical flavor.
Note: While coconut fat offers many health benefits, it’s essential to consume it in moderation and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns.
