Description
Coconut oil is rich in saturated fatty acids, especially lauric acid (about 50%) and myristic acid (about 20%). These fatty acids are so-called ‘medium-chain triglycerides’ (MCTs) because they are shorter molecules than the saturated fats commonly found in vegetable oils and animal fats (e.g. palmitic and stearic acid). This also explains why coconut oil has a far better health profile than its high content of saturated fats would suggest.
Crede’s Organic Virgin Coconut oil is made from the fresh mature kernel of the coconut (cocos nucifera) and is solid at room temperature, with a melting point of around 23-26℃ and a smoking point of 177℃.
Why is oil smoke point important?
Smoking is a sign that your oil is breaking down. When oils break down, they can release chemicals that give food an undesirable flavour, and free radicals that can harm the body. Before using any oil, make sure that its smoke point can handle the cooking method you plan to use.
Coconut oil is a good option for medium temperature cooking. (Avocado oil, with a smoking point of 270 ℃, is your best option for high temperature cooking.)
What is the difference between virgin and refined (odourless) coconut oil?
Here are some of the most important differences:
- Virgin coconut oil is cold-pressed from the fresh mature coconut kernel, while refined coconut oil is made from copra. Copra is dried coconut meat, that can be compromised by insect damage, sun damage and microbial contamination. As a result, oil from copra needs to be refined, bleached and de-odourised. Virgin coconut oil, on the other hand, does not need to undergo these processes.
- During the process of refining, much of the original coconut taste is removed, along with some of the micronutrients. Because copra is a cheaper raw material, refined coconut oil is also typically a lot less expensive than virgin coconut oil.
- Virgin coconut oil is completely clear when liquid, while refined coconut oil has a translucent yellow-ish colour.
- Virgin coconut oil has a coconut smell and taste, whereas refined coconut oil has a neutral taste and no smell.
Add a review