If you’re confused about coconut oil- you’re not the only one. There’s a lot of information out there about this product so we’ve broken it down to the basics for you. Read on to find out all that you need to know about coconut oil, its benefits and how to cook with it.
What is it?
Coconut oil comes from the fleshy part of the coconut and has a nutty flavour with a hint of coconut. Its flavour and other unique characteristics which we will talk about make it a popular product to use for baking and general cooking. Unlike some other oils, coconut oil will harden in cooler environments and turn into a liquid in hot weather. Don’t worry if your coconut oil changes between the two forms, it will tend to be more liquid at around 24 degrees- the changes do not affect the flavour or composition of the oil.
Health benefits
There is a lot of research about coconut oil that needs to be conducted. However this unique oil, it is argued, has many health benefits.Coconut oil is high in saturated fat which is why some people do not like it. However, these fats are not like others. They are are medium chain saturated fatty acids as opposed to the trans-saturated fats which are both longer and linked to heart disease and cholesterol issues.
The composition of coconut oil and these medium chain fatty acids means that it has a variety of positives and health benefits including:
- It is great for a quick source of energy.
- It improves the utilisation of essential fatty acids.
- It has a lower amount of calories than all other fats.
- It promotes weight loss by increasing the metabolic rate.
- It Improves digestion and nutrient absorption.
- It’s useful for diabetes as it helps to stabilises blood sugar levels.
Putting the health debate aside, coconut oil is fantastic to use in cooking and general baking.
Why is coconut oil great to cook with?
Coconut oil is claimed to be one of the healthiest oils to cook with. This is because it has an extremely high smoke point which means it is able to be heated to temperatures without burning or destabilising and oxidising the oil. This high smoke point means coconut oil is not only useful for regular cooking but is an excellent choice for recipes requiring high temperatures such as frying and stir-frying.
Another reason this oil is so popular is that it is this characteristic also makes it perfect to use for baking because it can be substituted for butter for those who follow a vegan diet.
Here’s a list of delicious things you can cook using coconut oil (this is just a sample- the possibilities are endless!):
- Roast your favourite vegetables
- Make sweet potato chips
- Fry or roast any sort of meat
- Use on salads as part of salad dressing
- Use it to pop popcorn for a great tasting treat
Here’s a list of delicious things you can bake and create using coconut oil:
- Use as a substitute for butter in nearly all baked goods such as cakes, muffins and pastries
- Use it to make raw chocolate
- Use it to make vegan icing for your treats
At OQF we stock “GOLD” Coconut Oil from Sri Lanka. It is certified organic by three different bodies – US, Japan and the EU. And is also in the process of being certified in Australia.GOLD coconut oil comes highly recommended as the best on the market and is cold pressed, raw, preservative and gluten free.
You can purchase GOLD Coconut Oil from us for fantastic value in two different sizes:
700 ml: $12.99 (great special!)
1 litre: $17.25
Click here to pick some up today.
