Refined VS Unrefined Essential Oils. This variation depends on the type of oil originated, the method of extraction and processing.
Now that you know they are not created equal, let's make a close comparison between the two most commercially available coconut oils for example purposes.
Unrefined coconut oil
Unrefined coconut oil is also known as pure, pure, or pure for good reasons and is made from fresh coconut, not from copra.
This sourcing method makes unrefined coconut oil free of impurities and cleaner than sun-dried copra.
With no refining, no heavy oxidation and no chemicals used, the natural compounds are well preserved with virgin coconut oil unrefined.
It can be extracted by natural or mechanical methods, with or without the use of heat, and using a dry or wet method.
Most commercial unrefined coconut oils on the market will use the dry & exhaust pressing method to extract coconut oil that requires more heat than the cold-pressed extraction method with minimum temperature.
For the cold pressing method, the coconut milk is pressed out of the coconut meat and the processing never exceeding 120 degrees F is carried out in a thermally controlled environment.
Meanwhile, with coconut oil pressed outside there will be a lot of pressure and friction leading to higher temperatures can be up to 210 degrees F.
Quality virgin coconut oil must be colorless, no sediment, taste and smell. fragrant natural coconut.
Compared with olive oil there is no difference in the "pure" or "special pure" quality of coconut oil.
When buying unrefined coconut oil, we should choose pure organic cold pressed coconut oil.
Refined coconut
Refined Coconut oil Unlike unrefined coconut oil, refined coconut oil is made from copra, not from fresh. Copra can be made by sun drying, smoke drying, kiln drying, hybrid solar drying, or a combination of these methods.
Since copra drying methods are dust-free, the extracted oil must be cleaned and refined for human use.
It can be exhausted and steam distilled or used hydraulic press and heated chemical solvents for extraction and purification.
Coconut oil refined by this method is called RBD oil.
Some partially hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated coconut oil may have unhealthy trans fats.
You can see this coconut oil is mainly used by bakeries and restaurants.
If it is certified organic, the oil is from certified organic coconuts that have not been treated with chemicals or fertilizers.
Choose coconut oil in a glass jar or container that doesn't contain BPA.
If we consider the two unrefined coconut oils, then the loss of nutrients is less when pressed out compared to cold pressed oils, possibly slightly higher in phenolic and other antioxidant properties.
Comparing refined and unrefined coconut oil, the medium-chain fatty acids that make up 60% of the total fatty acid composition remain stable and almost the same.
Having said that, unrefined coconut oil is likely to have more phytonutrients and can be expected to be slightly richer in polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals while free of trans fats.
If refined coconut oil is chemically treated, it can lose antioxidants like polyphenols, and partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated refined oil could create unhealthy trans fats.
Since refined coconut oil is cheaper than virgin coconut oil, resulting in higher demand due to its low price, you will often find more brands of refined coconut oil on the market.
Treatment methods of cold pressed or unused coconut oil will have the lowest amount of oxidation, have the longest shelf life while the outside pressed coconut oil will be exposed to high temperatures.
Conversely, refined coconut oil will have the highest amount of oxidation due to exposure to high temperatures and if purified with a chemical solvent will damage its antioxidants.
Unrefined coconut oil is unaffected by heat or chemicals meaning it is the purest form and has a shelf life of 3-5 years if stored in a cool, dry place with a tightly closed container. .
Refined coconut oil can last 18 months without going rancid and when properly stored can even be 2-3 months past its shelf life.
Refined or unrefined coconut oil for cooking, So which coconut oil is best for cooking? Before we find the answer, let's examine the different smoke points and flavors of these two coconut oils.
As you already know coconut oil is a versatile oil and that means you can find ways to use it every day in a variety of meals for a multitude of recipes and dishes.
A very mild and delicate coconut flavor & aroma is combined with cold pressed virgin coconut oil, while with unrefined coconut oil pressed together, you get a more delicious, appealing flavor.
Both versions will retain the natural flavor of coconut oil as they are unrefined.
When it comes to refined coconut oil, it basically has a neutral taste and therefore no taste.
You can use cold pressed coconut oil for recipes that require a mild coconut flavor, and use the machine pressed version for baking and recipes that require a delicious flavor.
Just keep in mind that virgin coconut oil has a relatively lower smoke point compared to refined oil, so it is useful when you pan over a medium heat, bake it or use it to mix salads, smoothies, etc. oatmeal, coffee, popcorn, soup and for the preparation of coconut butter and eggless vegan mayonnaise.
Refined coconut oil is ideal for high heat cooking and when you don't want the coconut flavor to interfere with your recipes.
You can use refined coconut oil for sautéing, brewing, frying and cooking on the stove if needed.
Coconut oil can be a gentle, natural and nourishing beauty treatment! People from coconut-rich countries have used it for thousands of years and today it is used as a hair conditioner, moisturizer, massage oil and for many other beauty care applications.
The best coconut oil we prefer to take care of skin and hair is organic virgin coconut oil as its nutritional composition is undamaged, has all the antioxidants that coconut oil offers. .
But it's a bit expensive and comes with its natural scent.
In the case of a tight budget or needing a scent-free option, use quality refined coconut oil.
Just make sure it's not chemically treated and choose options like organic, squeezed, and steam purified.
The suction point is 350 F for unrefined and 425-450 F for refined.
