Coconut Oil Fermentation Method

Fermentation is necessary before coconut oil can be used in lotions or foods.

Coconut oil is derived from coconut meat and is used in skin and haircare products as well as in foods. The oil itself can also be obtained in a variety of forms including virgin coconut oil, refined coconut oil, hydrogenated coconut oil and organic coconut oil. Fermentation separates the coconut water from the oil.

Copra

Copra is the term for the meat of a coconut once it has been dried out. Coconut can be dried in the sun, in a kiln, using chemicals or smoked to produce copra. In this form, copra is not fit for consumption, but is the base used for the fermentation process.

Separation

To ferment, copra must be pressed and then combined with the coconut water in a container. After a day at room temperature the water will sink to the bottom, the oil will stay in the middle and the proteins will float to the top. The oil is then ready to be refined.

Wet-milling

Coconut meat can be fermented without creating the copra first, but only if it is wet-milled. This means that the coconut meat is not heated, but is drained of milk through the use of pressure. The resulting milk can be fermented just as copra and then the oil can be refined.

References

• The Coconut Diet: How is Coconut Oil Produced?
• 2 Clicks Coconut Oil: How to Make Coconut Oil