Ingredient Deep Dive: Cold Pressed Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has been a beauty and wellness staple for centuries. But what sets cold-pressed coconut oil apart? This oil, extracted through a gentle, heat-free process, retains its natural nutrients and flavour profile. 

Let’s discuss cold-pressed coconut oil, exploring its unique properties, benefits, and why it should be a cornerstone in your cooking, skincare and overall wellness routine.

What Type of Plant Is Coconut Oil Derived from?

Coconut oil is derived from the coconut palm tree, scientifically known as Cocos nucifera. This tropical tree is native to coastal regions of Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Pacific Islands. The coconut palm is often referred to as the “tree of life” due to its numerous uses, from providing food and drink to materials for shelter and tools.

The coconut itself is a drupe, not a true nut, and consists of three layers: the outer exocarp, the fibrous husk or mesocarp, and the hard shell or endocarp. Inside the shell is the white, edible flesh known as the meat, and the coconut water.

How Is Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil Made?

Harvesting coconuts is a labour-intensive process that requires skill and precision. The coconuts are typically harvested by hand, either by climbing the tall trees or using long poles to knock the coconuts down. Once harvested, the coconuts are husked to remove the outer layers, revealing the hard shell.

For cold pressed oil, the coconuts used are usually mature and sun-dried. These sun-dried coconuts are known as copras. It’s important to note that some brands use sulphur to prevent or remove fungal growth in copras, but high-quality cold-pressed coconut oil, like Gramiyaa’s, uses sulphur-free coconuts to ensure purity and safety.

How Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil Is Extracted

The extraction process of cold pressed coconut oil is what sets it apart from other types of coconut oil. Here’s a step-by-step look at how this oil is made:

1. Selection of Coconuts: Only mature, high-quality coconuts are selected for cold pressing. These coconuts are sun-dried to create copras.
2. Cracking and Drying: The coconuts are cracked open, and the meat is separated from the shell. The meat is then sun-dried to reduce moisture content.
3. Grinding: Next, the copas are directly crushed in the wood and stone mill to extract the oil.
4. Cold Pressing: The ground coconut meat is then pressed using a mechanical press. This process is done at low temperatures to ensure that the oil retains its natural nutrients and flavour. The term “cold pressed” refers to the fact that no heat is applied during the extraction process, which helps preserve the oil’s quality.
5. Filtration: The extracted oil is filtered naturally without any chemical through cotton fabric and sedimentation in a tank undisturbed for 3-4 days. This results in a clear, pure oil that is ready for use.

Gramiyaa’s cold-pressed coconut oil is extracted in traditional stone mills, which helps retain the coconut meat and its nutritional benefits. Unlike virgin coconut oil, which is extracted from coconut milk, Gramiyaa’s oil uses copras, giving it a similar flavour and nutritional profile to extra virgin coconut oil made with other mass-manufactured machines.

Health Benefits Of Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil

Cold-pressed coconut oil ingredients are renowned for their numerous health benefits, making it a popular choice for health-conscious individuals. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Rich in Medium-Chain Fatty Acids (MCFAs): Cold-pressed coconut oil contains a high concentration of medium-chain fatty acids, particularly lauric acid. MCFAs are easily digestible and quickly converted into energy by the body, making them an excellent source of fuel.
2. Antimicrobial Properties: Lauric acid in coconut oil has antimicrobial properties that can help fight off harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This makes it beneficial for maintaining a healthy immune system.
3. Supports Heart Health: Despite being a saturated fat, coconut oil can support heart health by increasing levels of good HDL cholesterol. This can help improve the overall cholesterol profile and reduce the risk of heart disease.
4. Promotes Weight Loss: The MCFAs in coconut oil can boost metabolism and promote fat burning. Additionally, coconut oil can help reduce appetite, making it easier to manage weight.
5. Improves Skin and Hair Health: Cold-pressed coconut oil is a popular ingredient in skincare and haircare products. It can moisturise and nourish the skin, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy hair growth.
6. Supports Brain Health: Some studies suggest that the MCFAs in coconut oil can provide an alternative energy source for the brain, potentially benefiting individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive disorders.

Remember, while coconut oil offers several health benefits, it's high in calories.

Sources and related content

How to Use Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil in Cooking

Here are some ways to incorporate the ingredients of coconut oil into your cooking:

1. Cooking and Frying: Due to its medium-high smoke point, cold pressed coconut oil is ideal for cooking and frying. It can be used to sauté vegetables, fry eggs, or cook meats without breaking down and producing harmful compounds.  
2. Baking: Pure coconut oil ingredients make it a good substitute for butter or other oils in baking recipes. It adds a subtle coconut flavour to baked goods and can help create moist, tender textures. Try using it in cookies, cakes, muffins, and bread for a delicious twist.
3. Smoothies and Beverages: Adding a spoonful of cold pressed coconut oil to smoothies or hot beverages like coffee or tea can provide a boost of healthy fats and energy. It blends well and can enhance the creaminess of your drinks. For a nutritious start to your day, blend it into your morning smoothie or coffee.
4. Salad Dressings: Coconut oil can be used as a base for homemade salad dressings. Combine it with vinegar, lemon juice, and your favourite herbs and spices for a delicious and nutritious dressing. Its unique flavour can add a tropical twist to your salads.
5. Spreads and Condiments: Use cold pressed coconut oil as a spread on toast or as a base for homemade condiments like mayonnaise or aioli. It can be mixed with herbs, garlic, or other seasonings to create flavorful spreads. Try it on whole-grain bread or crackers for a healthy snack.
6. Popcorn: For a healthier alternative to butter, drizzle melted coconut oil over popcorn. It adds a delicious flavour and provides a dose of healthy fats. You can also sprinkle some nutritional yeast or your favourite spices for an extra kick.
7. Stir-Fries: The ingredients for coconut oil are perfect for stir-frying vegetables, tofu, or meats. Its subtle coconut flavour can complement a variety of stir-fry sauces and ingredients.
8. Roasting: Use cold pressed coconut oil for roasting vegetables, potatoes, or even meats. Toss your ingredients in melted coconut oil, season with your favourite herbs and spices, and roast until golden and crispy. The oil helps to enhance the natural flavours and provides a delightful crispiness.

Cold-pressed coconut oil ingredients list offers a wide range of health benefits and culinary uses. At Gramiyaa, we make it from sun-dried, sulphur-free coconuts, which helps the oil retains its natural nutrients and flavour through a meticulous extraction process. Whether you’re looking to improve your health, enhance your cooking, or simply enjoy the rich, tropical flavour of coconut, cold-pressed coconut oil is a fantastic choice.

By understanding how coconut oil is prepared and its benefits, you can make informed decisions about incorporating this versatile oil into your daily routine. So go ahead, explore cold pressed coconut oil, and discover the many ways it can enhance your life.