Coconut - Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How is Organic Coconut Oil different from Organic Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil?
Not all coconut oils are the same, and labels can be misleading. Once you have tasted Nutiva's Coconut Oil, with it's light buttery flavor, you will not want to switch ! Could this be the reason why Nutiva is the #1 selling Coconut Oil in north America ?

Many organic coconut oil brands have either a slightly sour, very bland, and or a very strong flavor. Nutiva's Organic Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil looks, smells and tastes like fresh coconut. In the solid state it is pure white without the unappealing, off-white or grey color of oil that has been overly processed.

Q. My coconut oil is now liquid. It was solid when I bought it at the store. Is it still okay?
A. This is our most frequently asked question. Yes, it's perfectly okay. Coconut oil melts at about 76°F. Below this temperature it is a solid; above, it is a liquid.

Q. Does coconut oil need to be refrigerated?
A. This is our second most frequently asked question. No, coconut oil does not need to be refrigerated. As a matter of fact, if you put coconut oil in the refrigerator, it becomes nearly as hard as rock, a feature which can be useful in warm weather.

Q. What is the shelf life of Nutiva's coconut oil?
A. Nutiva's organic, unrefined coconut oil is very stable with a shelf life of at least two years.

Q. There are small specks in the bottom of my coconut oil. What are they?
A. They are coconut fibers. They're perfectly natural, much like finding small bits of cork in a glass of fine wine, except that coconut fibers have nutritional value.

Q. I have heard that coconut oil is not good for you. Is this true?
A. This is commonly heard but is not true. Nutiva's Organic Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil is quite beneficial to your body's health and well-being. It is cholesterol-free and contains medium-chain good fats and 50-55% Lauric Acid.

Other brands sold in the United States are usually solvent-extracted from dried coconut meat (copra). They are also refined, bleached, and deodorized, and some are also hydrogenated. To learn more about the unfair demonization of tropical oils like coconut oil, please read "How a PR Campaign Led to Unhealthy Diets."

Coconut oil is also now being studied for its anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial, health-protecting properties.

To learn more see Myths and Nutrition.

Q. Can I lose weight by using coconut oil?
A. The best answers to this question may be found in several articles at the Coconut Research Center.

Q. How do I cook with coconut oil?
A. Use coconut oil instead of other oils in your daily cooking. You can blend coconut oil in smoothies, use it as a spread on toast (it makes fantastic cinnamon toast), use it as a topping on popcorn, and in other recipes.

Q. What is the recommended daily intake of coconut oil?
A. Health practitioners suggest three tablespoons of organic, extra-virgin coconut oil per day.

Q. Can I use coconut oil for my skin and hair?
A. Yes, coconut oil is a wonderful beauty aid. Try rubbing a few tablespoons of oil into your hair before a bath or shower. You can also use coconut oil as a lotion. Since coconut oils melts at 76°F, it absorbs easily and leaves your skin smooth and with a light, clean coconut scent. Nutiva coconut oil is also a luscious massage oil. Many massage therapists report that pregnant women say it helps to reduce stretch marks.

Q. Where can I find more information on the history of coconuts?
A. Here is a wonderful resource on the history and uses of the coconut.