Coconut oil has been one of the most popular and most used oils over the past years. For most Asian and Pacific countries, coconut oil is the go-to fat source people reach out for.
However, if you check out your local stores, you’ll notice both refined and unrefined versions of organic coconut oil available. Which one is better? Keep on reading to find out.
Production: Unrefined Coconut Oil
Unrefined coconut oil has not been processed, and nothing is added to it. This is the way coconuts are harvested, and the oil is extracted from the meat.
- Dry Extraction – Dry processing is when the meat is seperated from the shell through fire, sunlight or kilns to create copra. It is then pressed or dissolved, which produces the coconut oil.
- Wet Extraction – Wet extraction is a method involving raw coconut, instead of using dried copra. The kernel in the coconut is separated and then the oil is extracted through the expeller or centrifugal methods. This is a low heat process.
Production: Refined Coconut Oil
Refined coconut oil is produced by the process of extraction. The coconut meat is first dried and then shredded. The oil is extracted through a process of expeller pressing.
- Degumming – In this process, oil is heated and thoroughly mixed with a degumming agent – phosphoric acid – to remove gums that can change the oil quality and texture. The oil will also be washed with water for phase separation.
- Neutralizing – In neutralizing, oil is mixed with sodium hydroxide, so that a soap with free fatty acids will be formed. Then, the oil will be washed with water to remove the soap. By doing so, the risk of rancidity and oxidation is removed.
- Bleaching – The oil is then bleached using a process of hydrogenation. This is done using a chemical called nickel chloride.
- Deodorizing – When the oil is extracted, it has a pungent smell. It is then deodorized to remove the smell by heating the oil in a vacuum.
Which One Is Better for Cooking?
Coconut oil is a very healthy and nutritious oil that can be used as a cooking oil as well. However, it is better to go for refined coconut oil, especially for sautéing and frying because of its higher smoke point.
Unrefined coconut oil has a lower smoke point than refined, meaning that it is not suitable for frying or searing. It should be used for cooking at temperatures below its smoke point, so it may be used for processes like making soups and salads.
Which One Is Better for Baking?
If you are using coconut oil for baking, refined coconut oil is your best choice. This is because refined coconut oil has a high smoking point, making it ideal for use with high oven temperatures.
Which One Is Better for Skincare?
While both refined and unrefined coconut oils can be used for skin care, use the unrefined version.
This is because unrefined coconut oils are more hydrating. This is because it contains lauric acid, capric acid, and caprylic acid. These fatty acids have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antimicrobial properties, making them great for your skin.
Coconut oil is rich in vitamin E too. This is because it contains antioxidants that are easily absorbed by the skin.
Final Thoughts
Coconut oil has been used for thousands of years to make cooking a better experience. It is also used in beauty products and many other things. Since it is so versatile and you can get coconut oil in many forms, it is natural that you might have a problem deciding which product to buy.
For your bulk organic coconut oil needs, contact Coco House today. We are one of Sri Lanka’s finest wholesale coconut suppliers. Send an inquiry today to learn more about our coconut products.
