Sunday 3 February 2013

How to Make Virgin Coconut Oil


There are two methods for making coconut oil at home. One method uses fermentation and the other requires heat. I have made coconut oil using both of these methods, and from my experience the method that uses heat produced a more palatable oil for consumption. 

When the fermentation method was used, the oil had an off smell and taste, so I used that oil for my skin and hair instead. However, I must mention that when I used the fermentation method, it was a very hot summer and I did leave it out unattended for too long and didn't seperate the oil until the 3rd or 4th day so maybe that is why I had those results.  

The amount to make will depend on how much oil you want. Milk from one mature coconut usually contains the equivalent of about 3-4 tablespoons of oil, so using 4 coconuts worth of milk will produce approximately 1 cup of oil. I will outline both methods below. 


Fermentation Method (Virgin Coconut Oil) 

Ingredients: 
Materials: 
  • Glass or non-reactive container/jar with lid (it is optimal to use a wide jar)
  • Airtight Jar
Method:

Take your fresh made coconut milk and transfer it into a non-reactive container. Keep the lid closed. 

Let it ferment for 1-2 days. After the fermentation process is done, you will see that the milk has separated into oil, proteins and a liquid. 

Removing the oil from the container might be challenging. You can carefully try to spoon out the oil without mixing into the other layers. The easiest way is to put it in the fridge for a few hours. The oil will solidify and then you can spoon it out without worrying about it getting mixed up with the liquid. Store the oil in an airtight jar in the fridge. 


Heat Method

Ingredients:
  • Stainless steel pot
  • Airtight jar
Method:

Pour your fresh made coconut milk into a pot and bring it to a simmer. Continue simmering the milk until you no longer see milk and the only thing remaining are the oil and yellow-white chunks of proteins. Strain the oil from the protein and let it cool. 

Store the oil in an airtight jar in a cool dark place.



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