coconut oil

Coconut oil offers a variety of health benefits including stress relief, digestion and dental care. Virgin coconut oil is believed to be of the highest quality, made naturally and free of harsh chemicals. Now you can learn how to make virgin coconut oil at home by following these easy steps.

EditSteps

1. 1
   Split a coconut with a sharp cleaver.
   
   
   
2. 2
   Scrape all the meat of the coconut from the shell using a sharp pairing knife or a sturdy metal spoon.
   
   
   
3. 3
   Cut the meat of the coconut into small pieces.
   
   
   
4. 4
   Place the pieces into a food processor.
   
   
   
5. 5
   Turn on the food processor to a medium speed and blend until well shredded.
   
   
   
6. 6
   Put a coffee filter or cheesecloth over a wide-mouth jar.
   
   
   
7. 7
   Pour or spoon a small amount of the coconut mixture onto the cloth.
   
   
   
8. 8
   Wrap the cloth around the coconut mixture and squeeze the milk into the jar.
   
   
   
9. 9
   Repeat this process until all of the coconut mixture has been used.
   
   
   
10. 10
    Leave the jar unattended for at least 24 hours.
    
    
    
    • As it sets, the coconut milk and oil will separate and a layer of curd will appear at the top of the jar.
      
      
      
11. 11
    Refrigerate the jar so the curd has a chance to harden.
    
    
    
12. 12
    Scoop out the curd with a spoon and discard it, leaving the pure virgin coconut oil in the jar.
    
    
    

EditTips

• Cold-processed virgin coconut oil is made with no heat. This allows the oil to retain more of its naturally healthy benefits, anti-oxidants and vitamins.
• Freezing and then thawing the coconut pieces prior to putting them in the food processor will soften the meat and may allow for more milk extraction.
• A mature coconut can be recognized by its hard, dark brown husk. Coconuts that have not fully matured will be a lighter brown color. Young coconuts are small and green. A mature coconut will yield more oil than a young one.
• Virgin coconut oil is believed to have over 200 amazing health benefits. Sipping a spoonful each day is said to increase immunity, lower blood pressure, relieve joint pain and even aid in the treatment of cancer. It can also be applied to the hair and skin to enhance moisture levels and repair damaged cells and follicles. Examples of this are diaper rash and dry skin relief as well as insect bites. Other benefits include improved circulation, normalized thyroid function, boosted metabolism and weight loss.
• Coconut oil has been considered taboo in the past, mostly due to the alarming fact that it is nearly 90 percent saturated fat. However, it has recently been redeemed in a health conscious world because, unlike hydrogenated oils, it is not processed or chemically treated and therefore retains all of its healthy plant-based nutrients. Used in moderation, coconut oil could be more actively beneficial than olive oil.
• Virgin coconut oil can be used in cooking for wonderfully light, flaky pastries such as scones and pie crusts. It adds a delicate vanilla flavor and is much healthier than traditional fats like lard or butter.

EditThings You'll Need

• 1 f