Coconut Oil - How is it Made?

Coconut oil is produced in four ways; virgin coconut oil, refined coconut oil, hydrogenated oil and fractionated oil. Virgin coconut oil is produced from fresh coconuts in of any of these tree ways: quick drying the coconut flesh then pressing to release the coconut oil. The second method is wet milling. This method uses fresh coconut flesh without drying. The flesh is pressed and both coconut oil and water are extracted then the two are separated. The third method is wet willing but the moisture content of the flesh is controlled before pressing, then when pressed the coconut oil flows pure, free of coconut water.

Refined coconut oil is expressed from dried coconut flesh. Drying coconut flesh is accomplished by either sun drying, kiln drying or smoke drying. Once the oil has been extracted the coconut oil is then refined. Refined coconut oil is available for consumption while the unrefined oil is not. The refined form of coconut oil is the most common oil for cooking.

Hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated coconut oil increases the oils melting point while increasing the amount of saturated fat and might also produce trans fat. Fractionated coconut oil is a part of the whole oil. This part contains mostly saturated fats. Because of this the fractionated coconut oil is the most heat stable of all coconut oils and the shelf life is almost indefinite.

Coconut is used in a multitude of products ranging from cosmetics, soaps and skin treatments. This oil is considered an excellent skin moisturizer. But coconut is also used for cooking and the South Asians use coconut oil to flavor curries. Coconut oil is often used as a component of margarine. Non-dairy creamers contain hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated coconut oil and fractionated coconut oil is used in oil essences and massage oils and also used in industrial lubricants.

Recently coconut has been become popular on the health food and organic food scene. Recent articles may be the reason for this but many people from Southern Asia and the Pacific Islands have been eating coconuts and it's by products for centuries. These people rely on coconut as an important part of their every day diet. While health food suppliers continue on their quest, coconuts and its by products including coconut oil is still a popular product for many other reasons.

With our 5 warehouse distribution system affords our customers the opportunity of the maximum on-time delivery of their orders. This geographically dispersed distribution system in conjunction with our connection to the manufacturers, offers the highest quality product with the fastest available delivery time.

AHD International has been in business since 1998 and has years of experience in selecting, selling and distribution of the highest quality ingredients available. Our select distribution relationships afford AHD access to the best product in the shortest time providing our customers the best resources available.

We are strictly a bulk supplier to manufacturers – we do not sell to re-sellers or individuals. Our minimum order size is approximately 25 kilos. AHD International LLC is classified as an importer, exporter and distributor of nutritional ingredients depending on the ingredient specified. AHD has 5 warehouse locations across North America and sales agents in over 10 countries. We are the only ingredient company to be awarded the Dun and Bradstreet's fastest growing company in America twice in 1999 and 2002.

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*"These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease."