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How our Virgin Coconut Oil is made

Our Virgin Coconut Oil is made from fresh coconut meat by a wet-milling process. The coconut meat is not dried before extraction of the oil. The meat from freshly harvest coconuts is pounded by hand in wooden mortars to express the "coconut milk". Then, the coconut milk is fermented for 24-36 hours. During this time, the water separates from the oil. The oil is removed from the fermented mixture, heated slightly for a short time to remove moisture and filtered. The result is a clear coconut oil that retains the distinct scent and taste of coconuts.

This is the traditional method of coconut oil extraction that has been used in Togo for hundreds of years. This oil is not mass produced, but made by hand just as it has always been done. No chemicals are used in the growing or processing of the coconuts. Our virgin coconut oil is not refined with either chemicals or high heating. This ensures that our oil retains all of its natural antioxidants. The slight heat used to remove moisture does not destroy or chemically change the oil in any way. The oil is heated for 10 to 15 minutes at less than boiling temperature. By contrast, commercial coconut oils are steam deodorized at temperatures of around 400 degrees.

Many people are concerned that even low-level heat can destroy enzymes and other beneficial nutrients in coconut oil. However, the oil inside a growing coconut may be exposed to temperatures over 100 degrees F. As to enzymes, they are present in the coconut meat but not in the oil. If enzymes were present in the oil, they would break down the oil and cause it to go rancid. Therefore, there is no coconut oil on the market that contains enzymes.

Shelf Life of Virgin Coconut Oil

Virgin Coconut oil is high in natural antioxidants. Therefore it is the least susceptible to oxidation of any plant oil and has a long shelf life. Virgin Coconut Oil made and stored in a lab at the University of the Philippines did not turn rancid for more than 3 years. However, we do recommend you store the oil out of direct heat and/or sunlight.

Uses and Benefits of Virgin Coconut Oil

Pure virgin coconut oil can help to keep the skin from developing liver spots and other blemishes caused by aging and over exposure to sunlight. It improves the appearance of skin by helping to keep connective tissues strong and supple so that the skin doesn't sag and wrinkle. In addition, virgin coconut oil can help heal and repair the skin and make the skin smoother and more evenly textured by removing the outer layer of dead skin cells. Virgin coconut oil can also be used in hair treatments to condition the scalp and soften hair. Furthermore, virgin coconut oil smells great, since it retains the natural coconut odor.

Differences between Virgin and Refined Coconut Oils

Virgin Coconut Oil is unrefined and has not been stripped of any of its natural antioxidants through the refining process. Refined oils, including refined coconut oil, are stripped of natural antioxidants and are highly prone to free-radical generation. Free radicals damage skin cells and cause skin aging and cancer. The antioxidants in virgin coconut oil not only prevent free-radicals from forming in the oil, but also help protect against free-radicals that the skin is exposed to. In contrast, lotions and creams made from refined oils do not help protect against free-radicals in the environment, and may also expose the skin to additional free-radicals.

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For inquiries outside the USA, Canada, and Africa, please call us at 1-360-866-0076

 

 

 

 
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©2003-2004 Agbanga Karite, fair trade shea butter. All rights reserved.

 

 

 

Agbanga Karite is an African-owned producer and supplier of fair trade, traditional pure natural shea butter. Our shea butter is a very high quality shea butter crafted from select shea kernels. Pure virgin shea butter is also known as natural shea butter, unrefined shea butter, pure shea butter, African shea butter, shay butter, buerre de karite, and karite butter. Agbanga Karite also supplies virgin coconut oil, virgin palm kernel oil, virgin red palm oi, virgin cocoa butter and African black soap with a base of shea butter and virgin palm kernel oil. Our shea butter, virgin coconut oil, virgin palm kernel oil, virgin red palm oil and African black soap are excellent soap-making and lotion ingredients. Agbanga Karite is an African wholesale supplier and distributor of bulk shea butter, bulk virgin red palm oil, and bulk African black soap. Agbanga Karite produces shea butter, virgin coconut oil, African black soap,virgin red palm oil and virgin palm kernel oil in Togo, West Africa under fair trade principles. Agbanga Karite is working towards African self-empowerment by setting an example for other African shea butter and red palm oil producers and other African-owned companies throughout Africa.