Q&A for How to Make Virgin Coconut Oil

This method uses a small amount of heat. Squeeze the milk out of some grated coconut meat and mix it with a little hot water. Cover the jug with a piece of cloth and secure it with a rubber band. Let it sit for up to 5 days so that the oil can separate from the milk. Skim off the curd on top and then scoop off the layer of oil, leaving the layer of water behind.

Yes, virgin coconut oil is also known as unrefined or pure coconut oil. Note that there is no technical difference between virgin and extra virgin coconut oil!

You will notice that the top of the oil is thick after being refrigerated if it's been done properly.

Yes.

The oil separates from the cream. You can use the cream in cooking or even DIY beauty products.

Yes, it can be for many people.

Yes, you can. Coconut oil is mostly used for removing stretch marks. Apply it on the affected area daily after taking a bath.

After squeezing out the cream, the pulp can be dried, and then ground into flour. Use the coconut flour in cakes, cookies or dumplings.

Yes, that's the oil that you should scoop out.

Yes. Heat destroys nutrients, so if you boil the oil, you will lose some beneficial nutrients.

No, you do not have to remove the inner brown skin.

Yes. Coconut oil is great for hair.

Sure. Or you can just eat it without cooking; it makes no difference. Be sure to research whatever your condition is and whether coconut oil has been found to be helpful for it, and at what dosage. If this is just part of general health maintenance, then there's probably no reason to have more than a spoonful or so a day. You need to consume a balance of different things for optimal health.

Yes it is.

Yes, it helps shred the coconut flesh to extract more milk and oils from it.

The curd can be processed into coconut cream. You can use the cream to make vegan whipped cream.

The curd cannot turn into oil. With the heat method, you get the oil when you boil the coconut milk.

The cold process is the best method, as it preserves the natural constituents of the oil.

Yes, homemade coconut milk will spoil, but not the oil in it. Many cultures make it like this in hot climates. They throw away the spoiled leftover water, and boil down the solidified curd and oil. If you leave it in the fridge instead (only 8 - 12 hours needed), it doesn't spoil, and you can drink the leftover water. It's a very healthy sports drink, or can be used to cook rice or in other recipes.

You can eat it, fry with it, use it as an eye cream or makeup remover, use it to help with hair growth, and many other things. See How to Use Coconut Oil .

Yes it is. Put some of the coconut oil into the palm of your hands and rub all over the baby's body.

Yes. Stir continuously on low heat. Scoop the oil out as it rises to the top.

No. Coconut oil is not a tanning lotion or oil. It is used to moisturize skin and hair.

Because of its density, yes - but be sure it's a strong machine made for cold pressing nuts.

Yes, you can cook it at a very low heat. Be informed you might loose some nutrients because of the heat.

You can ask to use someone else's, or just buy coconut oil instead of making it, which should be much cheaper than buying a blender.

Just let it sit for 24 hours. After that, refrigerate it so the oil will harden and be easier to collect.

Yes. It is very important to add water for ease of grinding and to avoid clogs if done with a blender.

You don't need any water, hot or cold, for the cold pressed method.

The oil comes from mechanically or vigorously straining the oil and liquid out of coconut chunks, so it will take quite a while for it to separate, and even when it does you will get very little coconut oil.