Coconut Oil

The Journey of Coconut Oil from Source to Plate

Coconut oil is an incredibly versatile product that is utilized in many different forms and is enjoyed around the world. Despite its popularity, many do not know how the universal product is produced and what the journey looks like from its source to a dinner plate. This blog post will discuss the different steps that go into the creation of coconut oil and the process it goes through to get to someone’s plate.

What is Coconut Oil?

Before we can discuss its journey from source to plate, it’s important to have an understanding of what coconut oil is and why it is so popular. Coconut oil, otherwise known as copra oil, is an edible oil that comes from the meat of mature coconuts. It is incredibly versatile and is used in many forms as a hair oil, massage oil, cooking oil, skin moisturiser and much more.

Coconut oil is especially valued for its versatility and its health benefits. Nutritionally, it is rich in medium-chain fatty acids such as lauric acid, oleic acid and capric acid. Lauric acid is especially beneficial as it has a positive effect on heart disease, while oleic acid is great for skin health and capric acid is known to help boost energy levels. Its health properties rely heavily on the species of the coconut, the region in which it is grown, and the particular process it undergoes.

Making Coconut Oil

Now that we understand what coconut oil is, let’s discuss the process of making it. There are two main methods for producing coconut oil, both of which involve taking the coconut meat and extracting the oil from it. The first method is the wet-milling process, which uses the flesh from fresh coconut. The coconut meat and liquid are extracted and then heated, which allows the coconut oil to separate from the water. This method yields the purest form of coconut oil, as it does not require the use of high heat or bleaching agents.

The second method of making coconut oil is the dry process. This process is slightly quicker and it involves extracting oil from dried coconut meat, or copra. A mechanical press is used to extract the oil, and this method can prove to be more efficient than the wet-milling process.

The type of coconut oil that is produced largely depends on the process used and the quality of the coconut. The wet-milling process yields a purer form of the oil, while the dry-milling process yields a more refined product. Research has shown that the wet-milling process yields a higher Vitamin E content in the oil, meaning it is more nutritious and holds more health benefits for those who consume it.

Harvesting Coconuts

Before coconut oil can be made, the coconuts need to be harvested. Harvesting coconuts is an arduous process, as large numbers of coconuts need to be collected from coconut trees before the fields are cleared again. Depending on the location, different techniques are utilized for harvesting the coconuts.

In Southeast Asia, the labor-intensive process of manual harvesting predominates. People climb up the coconut trees with handheld tools and collect the coconuts one by one. Some other methods of manual harvesting involve attaching a long pole to the tip of the tree, shaking it until all the coconuts fall off. Other methods exist as well, such as utilizing chickens to scare away the predators that may live in the tree branches.

In some regions, harvesting machines are utilized in order to make the job easier and quicker. This type of machine uses a crane-like arm to pick up the coconuts, which are then placed into a cart and collected. This method is marginally quicker and easier than manual harvesting, but it does require large amounts of resources and affords less employment opportunities for people.

Transporting Coconuts

Now that thousands of coconuts have been harvested, they need to be transported to their destination. Depending on the area, this transportation may involve different methods. In some countries, such as the Philippines, transporting coconuts via donkey or horse-driven cart may still be common. This method is often outdated and inefficient, as the animals used to transport them may not be able to carry large quantities of coconuts.

In more developed areas, trucks are often utilized to transport the coconuts from the fields to their destination. The coconuts are usually put into large sacks or boxes and loaded into the truck, which can carry large loads and make transportation quicker.

What happens to the Coconuts?

Once the coconuts have been successfully transported to their destination, they need to be processed. Depending on the method of producing the coconut oil, the coconuts will either be fresh or dry.

For fresh coconut oil, the coconuts are typically shredded and the milk is extracted. This milk is then heated and the oil is separated from the water. The milk can then be boiled and the oil is skimmed off the top. This method is also known as wet-milling.

For dry coconut oil, the process is slightly different. The coconuts need to be dried, which can be done naturally outdoors or in a machine. Once the coconuts have been sufficiently dried, they are chopped into small pieces and the oil is extracted. This method is known as dry-milling.

At this stage, the coconut oil is in its most basic form. It is usually a light yellow color and it has a faint coconut scent.

Refining and Packaging

Now that the coconut oil has been made, it needs to be refined and packaged in order to prepare it for sale. This stage involves a number of different processes, such as clarification, bleaching, and deodorizing.

The clarification process involves removing any impurities or contaminants from the coconut oil. This is done by adding steam to the oil and allowing it to settle in a cooled chamber. The particles float to the top and can then be skimmed away.

The bleaching process utilizes adsorbing clays to remove any color from the oil. This process often takes place after the clarification process is complete.

Finally, the deodorizing process removes any scent from the oil. This is done by passing the oil through a steam distillation chamber in order to remove any off-flavors or odors.

Once the refining and packaging processes are complete, the coconut oil is ready to be sold. It is usually sold in bottles or cans, which can be purchased in most grocery stores.

Conclusion

Coconut oil is a popular and versatile product that is enjoyed all over the world. The journey of coconut oil from source to plate is a complex one, as it involves harvesting the coconuts, transporting them, creating the oil, and refining and packaging it. Ultimately, these steps must be taken in order to bring the universal product from its source to a dinner plate.