Thoughts/opinions on coconut oil please

[droverjess]

Please can you tell me thoughts and opinions on using coconut oil.
Thanks very much
Dj

[Halex]

Sorry, no idea, have never used it.

H

[JenJan]

Hi Dj,
I've used mostly coconut oil in my cooking for the past two years for health reasons - I believe it is one of the few oils (along with rice bran oil) which will not convert to trans fatty acids with heat. I will only use olive oil raw in salads etc but never heated. You only need to use a small amount (less than a dessertspoon) of coconut oil  if you are dry roasting veggies and it works fine in cakes etc.

[Cuilidh]

there have been a few conversations about coconut oil on here over the years, unfortunately I cannot remember who took part, but take a look at Quirky Jo's blog as she can always be relied upon for good, sensible and helpful assistance.

[obbie]

Ditto, about to say the same thing  Marina.
Jo uses it.

[snappy]

DJ I have some coconut oil as teresa cutler uses it in a lot of her recipes.  I have used it in a chocolate cake and found it left an unpleasant (to me ) after taste.  So I don't use it a lot in my cooking as I find that it has quite a strong flavor.  I can buy it for about $2-3 at Indian grocers so maybe try a some?

[Cuilidh]

That sounds very cheap, Snappy.  I use an organic one that cost heaps more than that and haven't had a problem with taste.  Is it Meganjane that has a body products business?  I think she uses different grades of coconut oil, perhaps she'll see this thread and come in with some words of wisdom.

[Amy :-)]

One thing to be aware of about coconut oil is that it is about 95% saturated fat. That's the only thing I'll say about it

[cookie1]

I have never used it so should keep quiet. The reason I haven't used it is exactly as Amy has said. You do hear a lot about it though, and it's health uses.

[gertbysea]

In cooking I would not touch it with a barge pole. Can see no point and  unless processed properly is  disgusting.

Gert

[Mama Fergie]

Isn't coconut oil the main ingredient in Copha?
I have tried the oil and thought it left an unpleasant taste in the food.

[Aussie Brenda]

I have never used it in cooking, but I do use it as a moisturizer for my face, I have sensitive skin and the coconut oil(butter) is really nice it costs about $10 a jar at the health food shop.

[Greyhoundmum]

IMO taste is yuck and it is not healthy as it is full of fat!!

[droverjess]

Very interesting reading, thankyou.

There are always so many claims and counter clams regarding fats.

[Jude59]

I use ghee and coconut oil for frying.  They are both stable fats and far better for you. Olive oil for salads etc.  do not buy the cheap coconut oil, buy an organic one that has been simply and properly processed.