How to Make Coconut Oil

Coconut has been part of the culture and traditions of many countries, apart from being used for culinary and medicinal purposes. It is one of the most revered item in ayurveda, which originated in India. According to Sushruta, the founding father of ayurveda, coconut is useful in cleansing the urinary tract, strengthening of muscles and cardiovascular system, improving complexion, wound healing, etc. Uses of coconut oil include its role in the treatment of a number of medical conditions, like constipation, jaundice, swelling, toothache, scabies, colds, burns, scurvy, sore throat, etc. Coconut oil is used in the manufacture of cosmetics, soaps, massage oils and detergents. Researches are underway to prove its efficacy as a biofuel for diesel engines.

Types of Coconut Oil

There are around four types of coconut oil, which are produced in different ways. They are Refined coconut oil or RBD coconut oil, fractionated coconut oil, hydrogenated coconut oil and virgin coconut oil. RBD or refined coconut oil is extracted from the dried kernels of coconuts, called 'copra'. R, B and D stand for refined, bleached and deodorized. Unlike virgin coconut oil, RBD oil does not possess any taste or aroma of coconuts and is mainly used for industrial and commercial purposes, other than cooking. The next type is fractionated coconut oil, which is made by the fractionation of coconut oil. This process retains only medium chain saturated fatty acids, after removing the long-chain fatty acids. Fractionated coconut oil, which is highly in demand for industrial and medical purposes, is only a fraction of the whole oil.

Hydrogenation is a process, in which the coconut oil is exposed to high pressure in order to produce hydrogen bubbles. Hydrogenated coconut oil, manufactured through this process can last longer, but may contain trans-fats, which are considered detrimental for health. It is believed that the best among the four types is virgin coconut oil, which is produced through natural processes, without using any chemicals. It is good for cooking as well as massaging. The best part about this oil is that it can be prepared easily. Let us take a look at the process of making coconut oil at home.

How to Make Coconut Oil?

Making virgin coconut oil is not a difficult task, if you have fresh and mature coconuts. This can save your money and give you the satisfaction of using a product, which is homemade. The following are some guidelines regarding how to make coconut oil.

• It is better to start with small quantities and if you are satisfied with the end product, you can then try large quantities. Take two to three coconuts and remove the husks and shells. Keep the coconut water aside.
• Grate the coconut meat and fill it in a net bag. Now you have to hold the bag tightly and press it with your palms, to extract the coconut milk. Dip the net bag in coconut water and press it again to extract more milk.
• Coconut oil can be produced from this milk through two different methods - natural fermentation and heating. In the first method, you have to mix the remaining coconut water to the milk and fill the mixture in a transparent glass jar. Allow the jar to remain at room temperature for about 20 hours. This allows the water to settle at the bottom. You can find oil floating above the water and above the oil, there will be a layer of protein, which is white in color. You can then filter the oil, which will be colorless or pale yellow in color.
• Another method to make coconut oil is by heating. The coconut milk extracted from the grated coconut meat has to be heated over a low flame. You have to stir the mixture continuously. The mixture becomes thicker as it boils. After some time, the oil starts separating from the mixture. The water will evaporate, leaving the oil behind. Cook for some more time, before turning off the heat.

Once cool, fill the oil in a clean glass jar, which is devoid of water or moisture. Your homemade coconut oil is ready and you can use it for cooking or for applying on the skin or hair. It is believed that coconut oil is good for a healthy skin and hair. You can even start a coconut oil diet.