Extra Virgin coconut oil is extracted from fresh coconuts by the process of cold-pressing, which does not involve the application of heat. This ensures that all the beneficial nutrients and enzymes of the fresh coconuts remain intact in the oil. It is the purest and freshest form of coconut oil which is mild, non-sticky and more effective than ordinary coconut oil
Dry process is called DME or expeller VCO, wet process is fermentation and centrifugal (there are conventional centrifugal and tubular).
Purification Centrifugal method is the best because the product are free of fatty acids, have a lower viscosity consistency, lower moisture content and a clear consistency. Furthermore, the nutritional value is well preserved through the natural processing methods, which results in an even longer expiry date without the need for any added preservatives.
Extraction: The extraction processes of ordinary coconut oil and EVCO are completely different. Ordinary coconut oil is extracted from dried coconut kernels (copra) through the process of cold compression or cold milling. EVCO is extracted from fresh coconuts through fermentation, enzymatic extraction, centrifugal separation and refrigeration. In few cases, the fresh oil is separated from water or moisture through evaporation.
Appearance: EVCO has better clarity.
Nutrients: In EVCO, the natural nutrients like Vitamin E and minerals of the oil are preserved. But in ordinary coconut oil, these nutrients are destroyed during the process of heating, filtration, refining and bleaching.
Taste & Aroma: EVCO has an excellent, mild coconut taste and a sweet aroma whereas refined coconut oil is colourless and deodorized.
Composition: EVCO is rich in medium chain fatty acids (MCTs), good HDL levels and has no trans fats. Few vitamins, minerals and polyphenols that add to the aroma, taste, and nutrition are more in virgin coconut oil than ordinary coconut oil.
Virgin Coconut oil starts solidifying below 25 degree Celsius. Above that temperature it is liquid and below it, it is solid. This is why coconut oil often solidifies in winter and stays liquid in Indian summers. In winter, place the bottle in a bowl of warm water to liquify it. Frozen or liquid, virgin coconut oil has the same benefits.
