Coconut Oil

I just love Coconut Oil, and I find myself using it more & more in recipes; it is very versatile as it is a magic ingredient in Raw delectibles, but is also yummy in stir fries and as a replacement in some cases for other oils. Some brands influence the overall taste of the dish with a strong coconut flavour so you may need to do a little experiment & find a brand you like.
There is evidence to suggest coconut oil has excellent benefits if used in moderation.  It’s also a great alternative to butter for vegans and lactose intolerant people.

What is coconut oil?

Coconut oil is extracted from the meat (flesh) of mature coconuts. It has a very high smoking point, which makes it ideal for all types of cooking, especially high temperature frying. It is also extremely stable, meaning it won’t go rancid if stored for a long time (up to two years).

Vegans in particular love it, as coconut oil can make perfect pastry, flaky scones and creamy icings without using dairy. It tastes naturally sweet, with no bitterness and has a slight nuttiness that works well in sweet treats, savoury dishes or stir-fries.

Although coconut oil is high in saturated fats, these are the medium-chain saturated fatty acids (MCFAs), which are now thought to be beneficial, as opposed to trans-saturated fats, which carry risks of heart disease and high cholesterol.

 I don't usually recommend specific brands and I do not have a financial interest in any of them but I just love this brand of Coconut Oil. It's reusable glass jar with a re-sealable lid adds an additional bonus to the purchase. The purchase of this product ( usually available in your Health Food Shop or online) gives you the opportunity to help towards supporting a whole Village in New Guinea, the people of Napapar, through Fair Trade. Niugini is locally owned & operated and this means that those farmers who are registered suppliers are guaranteed of a market for their coconuts and guaranteed an income for their families.They receive a higher price and the farmer is paid on the day of collection. Volume Sales World Wide mean more farmers are given the opportunity to become part of this scheme.

The number of health benefits ascribed to coconut oil by its fans is staggering. They include improved heart health, a better immune system, younger looking skin, improved digestion, more stable blood sugar and reduced sugar cravings. However, it’s important to note that some of these benefits are scientifically unproven at this stage and all of them relate to 100% pure virgin coconut oil, not partially hydrogenated coconut oil, which contains unhealthy trans-fats.