There are several types of coconut oil that can be found on the market today. To understand the difference between virgin, extra virgin, rbd, refined and other types of oil, we decided to clarify the situation a bit. So, the main difference between different types of oils is in the original raw materials, they are made from copra (dried coconut pulp, which is not edible by itself) or the production starts from raw coconut pulp. And in the methods of cleaning to which the coconut pulp is subjected during the manufacturing process. Let’s start the review with the tastiest and most useful types of oils – unrefined.
Virgin/Extra-Virgin
These types of oil are made from fresh coconut, not copra. This is their distinguishing feature. There is no difference between these types of oil. In this case, it is just a marketing ploy by sellers to call the product extra virgin or simply virgin. Virgin oil is never exposed to high temperatures and refining.
A similar type of coconut oil is produced mainly in 2 ways:
By grinding fresh coconut pulp, from which coconut milk is then squeezed. And from it, using heating, cooling, fermentation and a centrifuge, oil and water are divided into separate substances. It is relevant to mention that according to research conducted in Sri Lanka by Professor Kapila Seneviratne in 2011, this type of oil contains the highest level of antioxidants. These are substances that cleanse the body of harmful molecules called free radicals. For people in modern living and food conditions, this issue is becoming more relevant.
The second method is pressing oil from dried coconut. This type of production of virgin oil is also very popular. This unrefined oil is the most useful and contains absolutely all the valuable substances that coconut oil is rich in. Namely, vitamins B1, B3, B6, B9, C, PP, as well as calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, copper and manganese. And what is very important are saturated fatty acids – lauric acid 45-52%, myristic acid 13-20%, palmitic acid, caprylic acid, oleic acid, capric acid and others.
Cold pressed coconut oil
This type of oil can be made from dried coconut or specially prepared copra, but the pressing of the oil will always be carried out at a temperature of up to 40 °C, which guarantees the preservation of useful substances and the presence of a high level of antioxidants. It is an oil of a high level of quality in all parameters.
Refined coconut oil
Refined coconut oil is often designated as rbd, which means refined, bleached, deodorized. This type of oil is very resistant to high temperatures, lasts longer than usual and has no smell, which is relevant for those who do not want to feel the aroma of coconut in all dishes. In this case, the method of refining is of great importance. If this is a method of evaporation, then such oil is completely edible. If various acids and sodium hydroxide were used in the purification process to separate all phospholipids, metals, minerals, salts, natural aromas (the smell of coconut), then such oil is devoid of practically all useful substances.
Hydrogenated coconut oil is one type of coconut oil to avoid in your diet
If you consider the formula of unsaturated fatty acids of this oil, you can see that the hydrogen atoms are located on the opposite side of the carbon atoms. Such a formula is unnatural, which means it is harmful and unsusceptible to its substances, and can behave unpredictably in the body, developing diseases.
Liquid coconut oil is coconut oil from which the lauric acid has been removed
Usually this oil was used in skin care products. But recently it can be found on the shelves as a food product. Just keep in mind, this is a refined product devoid of coconut oil’s star ingredient, lauric acid. After all, it is a strong antimicrobial component.
Thus, the oil from the amazing gift of nature – coconut, can have different value and cost depending on the method of preparation. Using this knowledge, you can choose the best product for yourself.
Be healthy and eat deliciously. Your MASALE
In our store you can find cold-pressed coconut oil from India, and a new supply of virgin oil from Sri Lanka, prepared by pressing oil from fresh coconut pulp, is expected.
