coconut oil - expeller vs virgin

[elisheva]

I was reading another thread on coconut oil and noticed a few people remarked that they like/don't like the way coconut oil affects the flavour in a recipe. When I switched to using coconut oil (over other oils), I was told that expeller pressed coconut oil didn't have the coconut flavour. This is what I buy. Given that so many of you obviously buy the virgin coconut oil (based on remarks in the aforementioned thread), am I missing something? Is the expeller pressed coconut oil inferior/unhealthy/evil?

[Magelet]

subbing

[Faliciagayle]

Tropical Traditions does a good job of explaining (they sell both types)

(The short answer is no, expeller pressed oil is not unhealthy or evil, though nutritionally slightly less better. If you can afford it, many cook with both types of oils.)

1. What is “Expeller-Pressed” Coconut Oil (EPCO)?
Tropical Traditions Expeller-Pressed Coconut Oil is a high quality refined organic coconut oil. This oil is processed the “old” way by what is called “physical refining.” The modern way of processing coconut oil is by chemical extraction, using solvent extracts, which produces higher yields and is quicker and less expensive. Tropical Traditions Expeller Pressed Coconut Oil DOES NOT use chemicals or solvent extracts. It is made the “old” way by expeller-pressed mechanical extraction. This oil is also NOT hydrogenated, and contains NO trans fatty acids. It is a very good quality food-grade coconut oil. Tropical Traditions Expeller Pressed Coconut Oil is made from coconuts that have NOT been treated with chemicals or fertilizers. It is 100% natural, and it is also certified organic according to USDA and EU standards. Our Expeller-Pressed coconut oil is high in the medium chain fatty acids, such as Lauric acid. This is the “common” type oil that billions of people in Asia consume on a daily basis. Expeller Pressed Coconut oil is less expensive than Virgin Coconut Oil, and because it goes through a steam deodorizing process the taste is very bland, unlike Virgin Coconut Oil which retains the odor and taste of fresh coconuts. Some people prefer a bland, tasteless oil.

2. Are the Nutrient Benefits of EPCO the same as Virgin Coconut Oil (VCNO)?
As far as the comparison between the Expeller Pressed Coconut Oil (EPCO) and the VCNO, the EPCO still has the medium chain fatty acids/tryglicerides (MCTs) that are the major reason for the nutrient benefits of coconut oil. These are what studies say increase metabolism, support the immune system, etc. What the EPCO is missing is some of the nutrients and anti-oxidant properties that are in VCNO, like Vitamin E, for example (although coconut oil is not a real significant source of vitamin E: Palm oil is better for that.)

The general rule in nutrition is that the closer to nature/natural the better. What we do know, is that many of the studies that have been done on MCTs and report their benefits have been done on regular (non-virgin) coconut oil, or in some cases pure extracted MCT’s taken out of coconut oil. The customer testimonies (which may not be typical) and feedback we have gotten from our VCNO suggests that it is more potent than refined coconut oil (EPCO). But many people are reporting good results from the EPCO as well.

[BetsyPage]

I'm trying to figure out which I prefer, and think I might be comparing apples to oranges...

For quite a while, I've been using Nutiva CO because it is available to me and affordable through a co-op... I also have a gallon of Wilderness Family Naturals Organic Expeller-pressed. The Nutiva definitely tastes/smells like coconut, while the WFN CO is a neutral though (IMO) slightly sweet taste. Also the Nutiva is whiter than the WFN.

I really like the taste of the Nutiva in my coffee, but I'm trying to take it in my tea also and it is just a bit much, really. So today I decided to try the expeller-pressed CO in my tea and it was fine- I couldn't taste it!

Then my 3 yo & I did a taste test... yes she is a weird child who will eat almost anything. She liked the WFN expeller-pressed oil, surprising me since I thought she would like the Nutiva better. She said she didn't like the "whiteness" of the Nutiva but the WFN oil was "yummier".

So I don't quite know what to think, but the info from TT is reassuring, I think I will just use both. I'm not sure how "good" the Nutiva brand is compared to TT or WFN, maybe it is just not as good?

[elisheva]

falicigayle. Thanks!!!