Coconut oil sources

[Toolip]

I was just reading an old thread that said Mountain Rose Herbs was the best source for coconut oil but that was several years ago?  Is there a better deal out there?  It looks like their prices have gone up since that thread.

In another CO related question.... I understand that unrefined co is the gold standard, however, the coconut taste is sometimes too much.  For example, when frying tortillas.  I realize that lard is the perfect fat for the job but I don't always have it on hand.  Is it ok to use refined co for frying and the likes?  Is there something terribly wrong with it?

Thanks!

[Thparkly]

All oils have a smoke point and unrefined has a much lower smoke point.  When oil reaches it's smoke point it can become carcinogenic. 

[Toolip]

right.  I understand that.  What I'm wondering is if there are problems with refined coconut oil (in the processing maybe?) that make it dangerous or undesirable.  I understand that it doesn't have all the benefits of unrefined co.

[deditus]

As long as it is mechanically refined, you should be fine. I, too, have used refined co for frying.

Mountain Rose Herb is still competitively priced but I had a few batches from them that were burnt tasting AND issues with their packaging that they would not remedy because I couldn't return the product (because their packaging didn't allow the gallon bucket to be reclosed!).  I have really found co choice to be very personal. I usually have one jar of "yummy" stuff I use raw and one jar of not so premium for cooking.

I have had Wilderness Family Naturals and when it's good, it's really good, but I have received 2 too many "off" batches to keep ordering from them. I think from that old thread, I decided not to buy Tropical Traditions because they heat their co more than the others but I know lots of people who use it and think it's great. I personally usually buy Nutiva because the taste is consistent - I have never had a bad batch from them. It is also widely available.

[Toolip]

cool, thanks!  I did find a great deal on Nutiva so I bought it.  Here, if you're interested. 

I'm still looking for refined... and that's a bummer to here about MRH.  I'm still considering it though because it seems like such a good price, and I have other stuff I need to order from them anyway...