What is coconut oil?

Coconut oil is a liquid substance extracted from the meat of a mature coconut. It is a safe and stable substance often used in cooking, and is purported to have many health benefits including boosting the body’s natural metabolism and immune system. Coconut oil has always been very popular in countries with a tropical climate, particularly across South East Asia, due to the abundance of coconuts available. However, in recent years it is becoming increasingly widespread in Europe and North America.

 

Is coconut oil a liquid or a solid?

Unhydrogenated coconut oil has a low melting point of 24 degrees Celcius, meaning that it is a solid fat when kept below this temperature and becomes a liquid if it goes above. Given that it originates from warmer climates where the ambient temperature is regularly above 24°C, coconut oil is often hydrogenated to increase its melting point to around 36-40°C. The hydrogenation process is not organic, and as such, Ma Devlin’s organic coconut oil is always unhydrogenated. This means that it can be easily stored in either form, and liquefied if necessary by administering a low heat.

 

How long does coconut oil stay fresh?

The exact answer to this question is up for debate, with different sources claiming that virgin coconut oil has a shelf life of anywhere between 2 to 5 years. This figure will no doubt vary depending on the brand, but regardless of this, it is undoubtedly one of the longest-lasting unrefined oils available to purchase. Comparably, coconut oil that has been refined will only last for around 2-3 months past its printed use by date, which is one of the many benefits of ensuring you use unrefined, virgin or extra virgin coconut oil.

 

What is the different between virgin and extra virgin coconut oil?

Unlike olive oil, there is no industry standard or independent certification body that regulates or provides specific criteria in order to distinguish between virgin and extra virgin coconut oil. As a result, products that claim to be extra virgin coconut oil aren’t necessarily guaranteed to be superior in any way to virgin coconut oil; it could simply be a way of justifying a higher price, and you should be aware of this before making a purchase.

 

Where can I buy coconut oil?

Right here! Ma Devlin’s Organic Virgin Coconut Oil is available to purchase by the jar or in multi-packs, saving you even more money. If you want to learn more about the specific benefits of and uses for coconut oil, click the link above to find out more about its many applications.