Here is a list of Frequently Asked Questions on Coconut Oil.

1. What is the Shelf Life of VIRGIN Coconut Oil?

Our producers have had samples of VIRGIN coconut oil have not shown any signs of rancidity even after 3 years.

2. Is Coconut Oil a Seed Oil?

No. Coconut oil is classified as a vegetable oil, even if the coconut fruit that matures is actually the seed from which the new coconut tree will grow from.

3. What is the difference between VIRGIN & COPRA?

If you buy regular coconut oil, chances are it came from dried copra. This usually sits in a warehouse and gets oiled after a few months. This is bleached and deodorized. This is why there is no coconut aroma. High heat is also used which is why this type of oil is yellowish in color.

VIRGIN coconut oil is cold-pressed immediately upon opening of the coconut. The oil is extracted before the fermentation process sets in. It is normally bottled or packed within 8 hours from the time the nut is opened. This is not bleached nor deodorized, maintaining the freshness and the faint sweet coconut scent It will also be clear as water in liquid form because no high heat was used in it’s processing. If heated too much it will have caramelized sugars and have too srtong of a coconut smell and a buttery texture.

Some people still use the old fermentation process, which is expelling the coconut milk then letting the coconut milk sit for 20 to 36 hours to allow the natural fermentation process to separate the oil. This process turns the oil sour and has a short shelf life due to the high moisture content. This home made oil is alright for home use, if the oil will be used immediately. The shelf life of this type of oil is two weeks to a maximum of two months. This type of oil turns rancid in a short period of time because of the high moisture content.

4. What is Organic VIRGIN Coconut Oil

Organic VIRGIN Coconut oil is Oil produced from a Certified Organic Farm . The process should have also been Certified as Organic. The processing plant is also inspected and certified to have used only food grade equipment, usually only stainless steel. That the processing is natural with no chemical preservatives or additives.

All Philippines coconut trees used to be ORGANIC. Today however, we are SAD to SAY that the Philippines Coconut Authority has started promoting the use of fertilizer on the coconut trees to improve the yield of nuts from the coconut trees.

If you are buying ORGANIC, ask for the Organic Certification.

If you are purchasing VIRGIN COCONUT OIL then the VCO must be clear as water and have a sweet coconut scent. If is not clear as water and does not have a mild coconut aroma then you know it is not VIRGIN COCONUT OIL.

Fermented Coconut Oil will have a Sour and Rancid smell. Some producers will also try to filter their fermented VCO in charcoal to try to remove the sour smell but instead that process gives the VCO a burnt smell and taste.

So, do a smell and taste test.

Not all Virgin coconut Oil are alike. Just like not all Coconuts are Organic.

5. What are the attributes of Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil is one of the most stable oils and is highly resistant to rancidity (It is the unsaturated fats in the common seed oils that are easily oxidized and susceptible to rancidity). It is stable because of its high proportion of saturated fats. Coconut oil is mild on the skin and is widely used in the tropics. Film-forming qualities allow it to act as a skin moisturizer and a protectant against moisture loss. Its natural detergency and lathering capabilities give a double purpose as a cleansing agent for soaps and shampoos.