Coconut products are all the rage these days, and for good reason. The U.S. News and World Report says that coconut oil may be a good alternative to some other forms of oils and fats. Coconut water is being touted as a way to fight dehydration and restore electrolyte balance to the body. Many people are even using coconut oil in hair tonics and as body lotions. And the best news? Making home made coconut oil is a breeze!

How to Make Coconut Oil at Home

There are 3 methods to making coconut oil at home:

• Natural Fermentation – This is the original process of making oil from coconuts. First, you make coconut milk. Begin with two to three coconuts. Remove the husks of the coconuts and open them up. If you have a powerful blender, cut the coconut into pieces and blend with water. Then strain the mixture through fine mesh or even a clean old T-shirt. If you do not have a blender, grate the coconut into a netted bag. Save some coconut water for this process. Begin squeezing the netted coconut into a container, occasionally dipping it into the water. Now that you have coconut milk, you must allow it to naturally ferment. Mix the coconut milk and the remaining coconut water and hold in a clear glass jar for 24-48 hours. The coconut oil will rise to the top, where you can filter it off.
• Heat – Remove the milk from the coconut via one of the methods described above. Heat the coconut milk over low heat, stirring continuously. The milk will become thicker and eventually the water will evaporate and the oil will separate out. Let the oil cool and then filter into a clean glass jar.
• Cold Press – This method requires making coconut flakes then processing them in a heavy duty juicer. First shred the coconut flesh and toast it on the stove top or in the oven until it turns golden brown. Put these coconut flakes in the juicer. A creamy oil will be expelled from the machine. Let it sit for a few hours. The oil will rise to the top where you can filter it from the heavier cream.

Making coconut oil is undoubtably easier if you live in a tropical climate where coconuts are abundant. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make your own batches of this healthy fat source. Select good heavy coconuts filled with water from your local grocery store, and get started on your very own coconut oil!

Source:

• “Do Coconut Oil and Coconut Water Provide Health Benefits?”, US News and World Report

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