FAQ about Nutiva Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

This is the frequently asked questions about virgin coconut oil that people often wonder. If you want basic info, please read Nutiva Extra Virgin Coconut Oil page. You maybe fond of Coconut Products, you can visit the store.

What is different between Coconut Oil and Extra Virgin Coconut Oil?

The term “Extra Virgin Coconut Oil” generally means coconut oil that is extracted from fresh coconut meat without using high temperature, chemical solvents (such as hexane). Common method for extracting is using expellers to press coconut meat and get the oil, it’s called “cold-pressed” because it uses mechanical force rather than heat. Furthermore, virgin coconut oil is not refined, bleached and deodorized. So it’s maintained almost natural substances and nutrients especially essential fatty acids (medium chain triglycerides – MCTs) such as Lauric acid, Carpric acid and Capryric acid those are good for health. While the term “Coconut Oil” means ordinary simple oil made from coconut. It’s usually produced by simple process like other industrial vegetable oils such as RBD (Refined- Bleached-Deodorized). Moreover, it maybe hydrogenated (fill hydrogen to make saturated oil) to be more stable and longer shelf life. For those processes, simple coconut oil loses natural nutrients and is harmful from hydrogenation that produces trans-fats.

Among extra virgin coconut oil from several brands, they are still different. Nutiva Extra Virgin Coconut Oil has enjoyable aroma and light buttery flavor. Once you have tasted, you may not change your mind from Nutiva, this maybe the reason why Nutiva Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is the best seller in North America. Many other brands have light sour, bland taste or over smell but Nutiva’s tastes like fresh coconut. It is pure white color when it is solid and contains no grey part from the over-processed oil.

Coconut oil melted into liquid after buying from store. On shelf it was solid, is something wrong?

It’s all right to use that coconut oil because it’s normal property of the oil that melts down at over 76°F (24.4°C). Below that point, it’s in solid state.

How to bake with Nutiva Extra Virgin Coconut Oil?

You can replace Nutiva Extra Virgin Coconut Oil to other oils, butter or shortening at the same quantity. You should mix ingredients at room temperature or pre-melt the coconut oil before use to mix well. This is a better choice to use virgin coconut oil rather than other vegetable oils which may contain harmful trans-fat or GMO.

Why no need refrigeration?

Virgin coconut oil is much stable by its natural preservatives; only keep it away from sunlight and air but no refrigeration is needed. You can refrigerate the oil, but it won’t be comfortable when use because it’s solid like a rock.

How long is Nutiva Extra Virgin Coconut Oil’s shelf life?

The unrefined coconut oil is quite stable, so the shelf life is about 2 years.

What are tiny specks found at the bottom of the container?

They are natural fibers of coconut, not dangerous at all and have some nutritional value, similar to tiny bits of cork in wine (but they have no nutritional value).

Is it said that coconut oil is bad for health?

This is true for some coconut oil products those extracted by solvents, produced with RBD process (Refined-Bleached-Deodorized) and hydrogenation that creates harmful trans-fat. In the other hand, Nutiva Extra Virgin Coconut Oil cholesterol-free, trans-fat free and contains plenty of medium chain fatty acids about 50% such as Lauric acid that is excellent for your health. Moreover, It is being researched about antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties that can protect our health.

How can virgin coconut oil help weight loss?

It increases metabolism, easy to burn and makes you feel full for long time.

Cooking with coconut oil, how to?

Coconut oil can replace other oils for cooking. You can mix it with beverages such as tea, coffee or smoothies. It’s great to spread on toast especially cinnamon toast. Making popcorn and used as a topping is good too.

How much is an appropriate dose for a day?

It is recommended to consume about 3 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil in a day.

How about using virgin coconut oil for skin and hair treatment?

Other than culinary uses, Nutiva Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is also great for skin and health care. For skin moisturizing, rub your skin with coconut oil, it absorbs quickly and makes your skin very soft and smooth, and leaves light coconut scent. Just melt the oil into liquid at 76°F before use. For hair, bathe your hair and scalp with coconut oil before taking a shower, this makes your skin shine and smooth. Coconut oil is also nice for using as massage oil. It is used widely for massage therapists.

What material is the Nutiva Extra Virgin Coconut Oil’s container?

Nutiva uses clear PET and white HDPE for packaging virgin coconut oil. And for HDPE type, it’s easier for shipping via UPS or USPS between summer periods.