Datetime: 2022-06-28 12:20:40 Visit: 0
Coconut oil is divided into three types such as, crude coconut oil (coconut hair oil), refined coconut oil (RBD), and virgin coconut oil (VCO) based on the raw materials and preparation methods used.
VCO is an abbreviation of VIRGIN COCONUT OIL, where VIRGIN refers to the original and natural state. Some literature also refers to virgin coconut oil as original coconut oil or natural coconut oil. In the Taiwan province, it is also known as "virgin coconut oil." It implies that the oil is pure and free from foreign matter, and it retains the natural color and flavor as endowed by nature. Moreover, the manufacturing process is kept as simple as possible.
Coconut crude oil is sometimes referred to as coconut hair oil and is derived from copra, which is prepared by drying, smoking, and heating coconut kernels in a kiln before extracting or squeezing oil from them. It has a dark hue and a high level of acidity, giving it an unpleasant taste and odor, making it unfit for direct consumption, and utilized primarily in the industry.
Refined coconut oil is obtained from crude coconut oil by undergoing several refining procedures, which includes degumming, deacidification, dehydration, decolorization, and deodorization. These processes enhance the acidity, taste, and aroma of the crude oil, but it also results in a considerable amount of loss of essential nutrients such as antioxidant substances, phenolic compounds, vitamins, etc. The refined oil is colorless and odorless and typically used in the food and cosmetic industries. It's suitable for high-temperature cooking, such as frying chicken and French fries.
Virgin coconut oil is obtained through mechanical or low-temperature cold pressing of mature fresh coconut meat without undergoing chemical refining, decolorization, or deodorization. Unlike crude coconut oil, it is not produced from copra. The resulting oil has a delightful taste, pure coconut flavor, and lacks any unpleasant aroma. It also retains its nutrient richness, making it suitable for direct consumption and use in food cooking and baking.
