Coconut Oil Organic Virgin - 23 fl. oz. Nutiva

How coconut is processed is the key to optimizing its taste, texture, color and aroma. Nutiva uses fresh coconuts and the oil is cold-pressed. Contrast this to much of the coconut oil used today in cooking and body care; first the coconut is chopped and left to dry in the sun for days, then the meat is scooped out and sent thousands of miles to giant oil mills where the oxidizing coco meat if refined, bleached, and often deoderized - and ironically this product is often labeled as "certified organic".

There is no comparison between Nutiva's extra-virgin Organic Coconut Oil, with its light taste, pleasant aroma, and pure white color versus industrialized coconut oil, with its bland taste, faint aroma, and off-white color.

Coconut Myths & Coconut Nutrition

Since the 1960s, coconut oil has been unfairly labeled as “unhealthy.” The media reported studies of how tropical coconut oils were laden with artery-clogging fats. What wasn’t reported was the fact that the coconut oil used in the studies was hydrogenated – not the virgin oil used for centuries as a staple food. We now know it’s hydrogenation – artificially adding a hydrogen molecule to oils in order to make them shelf-stable – that’s the problem, not coconut oil. Hydrogenated soy, corn, and canola oils – loaded with dangerous trans-fats and processed with toxic hexane solvents – are routinely added to packaged foods. Hydrogenation fattened corporate profits and American waistlines, and is now linked with diseases.

Why is it that baby formulas often include coconut oil as an ingredient? Because coconut is one of the most healthy super foods in the world. Coconut oil is cholesterol- and trans fat-free, contains only 1% Omega-6 and is rich in medium-chain “good fats” that doctors recommend. One of the good fats that comprises about 50% of coconut oil, is lauric acid. Lauric acid is a rare medium-chain fatty acid found in mother’s milk that supports healthy metabolism and is now being studied for its anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial health-protecting properties. Some researchers predict that lauric acid will become as well known in health circles as Omega-3 is today. In fact, the Monsanto company has already developed a GMO canola oil variety that attempts to mimic coconut oil’s high percentage of lauric acid. As we learn about the downsides of consuming too many Omega-6 vegetable oils, coconut oil is making a comeback. Nutiva suggest 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin coconut oil a day.

Hydrogenated Trans Fat or Healing Coconut Oil
The FDA began requiring the labeling of "trans fats" in 2006, and as a result the entire fat category is undergoing a review of its traditions and assumptions. Nutiva is well positioned to deliver the nourishing "good fats" in its hemp and coconut oil products, which can play a vital role in our health. Outdated "corporate-speak" assumptions including "zero fat is good," "tropical fats are bad," and "lots of vegetable oils are beneficial" are being increasingly questioned by millions of Americans.

The traditional Pacific Islander diet included alrge quantities of coconut, and those who still follow this diet have a low incidence of heart disease or obesity. When a Western-style diet including vegetable oils replaces their traditional diet, all of the fat-related diseases common in the US begin to appear. Besides its nutritional value, Nutiva Coconut Oil makes a luscious and soothing massage and body oil for dry and or damaged skin.

Nutiva Questions & Answers

How do I use Coconut Manna?
Coconut Manna is great to use in various recipes as a replacement for milk, cream, yogurt or butter. It’s delicious on top of or mixed into rice, oatmeal, cereals, and smoothies. Some folks love it spread on toast or crackers (for a strong “coconut-ty” flavor.) You may notice some oil has separated to the top of your jar or bag during shipping. Simply warm all the way through, then stir the oil back in. Or, spoon the oil from the top and use for cooking! It’s your choice. They generally recommend stirring the oil back into the Coconut Manna.

NOTE: In colder climates, and during the cooler months, your Coconut Manna will tend to harden. You can use a spoon to "chip" pieces of it and then serve, or you can place the jar in hot (but not boiling) water for a few moments. Be sure not to burn the Manna.

How does a person dispense the bulk 5 lb. Coconut Manna?
The 5lb bulk bag of Nutiva Coconut Manna is primarily intended as a food service item. Its main use will be in restaurants and smoothie bars and in food service applications. This unit is not intended for the home user unless they have a strong food preparation background.

The product needs to be melted in its entirety, blended, then poured into smaller containers. If you melt and pour off only a portion; only the oil will be removed. This will result in the remaining material comprised mostly of coconut fiber and protein. If this sounds too challenging please start with their 15oz jar.

How is Organic Coconut Oil different from Organic Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil?
Not all coconut oils are the same, and labels can be misleading. Once you have tasted Nutiva’s Coconut Oil, with it’s light buttery flavor, you will not want to switch! Could this be the reason why Nutiva is the #1 selling Coconut Oil in north America?

Many organic coconut oil brands have either a slightly sour, very bland, and/or a very strong flavor. Nutiva’s Organic Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil looks, smells and tastes like fresh coconut. In the solid state it is pure white without the unappealing, off-white or grey color of oil that has been overly processed.

My coconut oil is now liquid. it was solid when I bought it at the store. Is it still okay?
This is their most frequently asked question. Yes, it’s perfectly okay. Coconut oil melts at about 76°F. Below this temperature it is a solid; above, it is a liquid.

How do I bake with coconut oil?
Replace other oils, butter, or shortening at a 1:1 ratio and either melt it or use it at room temperature depending on your needs. Keep in mind coconut oil will mix well when the rest of your ingredients are at room temperature. It makes a great replacement for less healthy alternatives like vegetable oils and shortening, which can contain GMOs and Trans fats. Use coconut oil at room temperature for flaky baked products. Melt coconut oil and use it in its liquid state to replace vegetable oil and butter.

Do coconut oil need to be refrigerated?
This is their second most frequently asked question. No, coconut oil does not need to be refrigerated. As a matter of fact, if you put coconut oil in the refrigerator, it becomes nearly as hard as rock, a feature which can be useful in warm weather.

What is the shelf life of Nutiva's coconut oil?
Nutiva’s organic, unrefined coconut oil is very stable with a shelf life of at least two years.

There are small specks in the bottom of my coconut oil. What are they?
They are coconut fibers. They’re perfectly natural, much like finding small bits of cork in a glass of fine wine, except that coconut fibers have nutritional value.

I have heard that coconut oil is not good for you. Is this true?
This is commonly heard but is not true. Nutiva’s Organic Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil is quite beneficial to your body’s health and well-being. It is cholesterol-free and contains medium-chain good fats and 50-55% Lauric Acid.

Other brands sold in the United States are usually solvent-extracted from dried coconut meat (copra). They are also refined, bleached, and deodorized, and some are also hydrogenated.

How do I cook with coconut oil?
Use coconut oil instead of other oils in your daily cooking. You can blend coconut oil in smoothies, use it as a spread on toast (it makes fantastic cinnamon toast), use it as a topping on popcorn, and in other recipes.

What is the recommended daily intake of coconut oil?
Health practitioners suggest three tablespoons of organic, extra-virgin coconut oil per day.

Can I use coconut oil for my skin and hair?
Yes, coconut oil is a wonderful beauty aid. Try rubbing a few tablespoons of oil into your hair before a bath or shower. You can also use coconut oil as a lotion. Since coconut oils melts at 76°F, it absorbs easily and leaves your skin smooth and with a light, clean coconut scent. Nutiva coconut oil is also a luscious massage oil. Many massage therapists report that pregnant women say it helps to reduce stretch marks.

What type of Jars is Nutiva Coconut Oil Packaged in?
Nutiva packages their oil in two types of materials, clear PET and white HDPE. They have found the white HDPE holds up better for shipping via UPS or USPS during the hot summer months. Also worth noting is that Nutiva containers are made without BPA.

How do I bake with coconut oil?
It’s easy! Coconut oil is a simple 1:1 ratio with other oils, so just use the same amount the recipe calls for. Coconut oil makes a great replacement for less healthy alternatives like vegetable oils and shortening, which can contain GMOs and Trans fats. Use Coconut oil at room temperature for flaky baked products. Melt coconut oil and use it in its liquid state to replace vegetable oil and butter. Keep in mind Coconut oil will mix well when the rest of your ingredients are at room temperature or it will solidify in clumps quickly.

About Nutiva

Nutiva is an innovative leader in the health food industry. Since 1999 they have operated as a values-driven company dedicated to nourishing people and planet. They’re building a business characterized by high standards in all aspects of their company, from the organic farms that grow their foods, through the production, packaging, and transportation of their products, to the Nutiva associates who communicate with their retailers and the people who enjoy their products.

Their watchwords—nutritious superfoods, healthier people, and a sustainable planet—express their commitment to move beyond conventional food industry practices to embrace a bigger picture that supports the long-term well-being of humanity as a whole. Nutiva’s purpose is to produce the highest quality organic superfoods, providing superior nutritional value to their customers while supporting sustainable agricultural practices and a fair return to the farmers on whom they depend. They donate 1 percent of their sales to groups that promote sustainable agriculture.

They educate people worldwide on current developments in nutritional science, organic farming, green energy, and fair trade practices within the global economy. At Nutiva they continually innovate so that they can better contribute to the health and happiness of their customers as well as the sustainability of their planet.