How Different Coconut Oils Can be Used in Recipes

Posted At : August 31, 2009 8:42 AM

Tropical Traditions has 3 different types of Coconut Oil, and all of them can be used as regular cooking oils. They can also be used as part or all butter and shortening substitutes. All three coconut oils are different from each other in some ways, so knowing which one will be best for a particular dish is always helpful.

The best and highest quality coconut oil is the wonderfully flavorful Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil. This oil is the most nutritious, but not the most consistent in taste. It is handmade and has a strong, unique coconut smell and taste that will vary slightly from batch to batch. Therefore it is not the best cooking oil if you want a consistent taste. The oil usually retains most of its natural "coconutty-ness" during cooking (e.g. stovetop cooking) but when baked almost all of the strong coconut taste will dissipate.

Green Label Virgin Coconut Oil is a machine-made coconut oil. The taste and smell is pleasant, mild and very consistent, and is great in baked goods. It is also best for uncooked or raw food items when you want a consistent taste. While the flavor in this oil is a lot like desiccated coconut, it is different from the Gold Label's "coconutty-ness" and is not as strong. It won't give you that punch-in-the-face burst of flavor.

Expeller-Pressed Coconut Oil is the oil to use when you don't want much flavor. It is a very bland oil, letting the flavors of the other foods it is cooked or used with blend and infuse each other without getting in the way. This is the best substitute for the common tasteless cooking oils (like refined vegetable oils), but all the coconut oils can pretty much be used interchangeably with other cooking oils.

Posted by Sarah Shilhavy

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Is the Gold Label Virgin Coconut oil for hair, that is on sale, the same that can be used for cooking?

# Posted By Jan | 1/5/11 4:25 PM

The Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil for hair treatment is the same, except it has more coconut solids in it, giving it more protein. FDA regulations do not allow marketing something for skin or hair care as food. It could be used for food, but it might be a bit bitter due to the coconut solids.

# Posted By Brian | 1/6/11 2:59 PM

Can the gold label virgin coconut oil be used for hair & skin or could it possibly cause reactions? Thanks :)

# Posted By Jen | 10/15/11 10:02 AM

Jen: Coconut oil is amazing for skin and hair. Give it a try!

# Posted By Sarah:) | 10/15/11 11:57 PM

I just received my first order, and I'm afraid I made a mistake. Can the Expeller-Pressed CO be eaten directly for the benefits outlines in the book? I melted it, let it cool, and added to to my yogust with the cranberries, almonds and honey. Or should I just use this for cooking? For long-term storage, I assume the Expeller-Pressed would be the best option?

# Posted By Virginia Gardner | 1/16/12 10:24 AM

All the coconut oils Tropical Traditions sells can be used the same way. Cooking, straight, skin care, etc.

# Posted By Sarah:) | 1/16/12 2:53 PM

What is the shelf life of all your coconut oils? what is the best way to store it?

# Posted By sarah | 1/30/12 7:58 PM

You can check the FAQ out here: http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/faq.htm#4 It will answer your questions.

# Posted By Sarah:) | 2/3/12 11:05 AM

Could someone tell me the difference between Expeller-Pressed Coconut Oil and the coconut oil for pets?Thank you.

# Posted By Randy | 12/28/12 3:22 PM

I just received my first order of Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil and I have to say it is the best I have ever tasted/used!!! I wanted to write you to share an idea and method of measuring the oil to use in cooking and baking. As you are well aware, under 76 degrees the oil is a solid, making it harder to measure and use in that form when you want to quickly add some to a recipe. Well I had a brainstorm and figured out a great method that I use daily when cooking or baking and when I make popcorn for my home movie nights. I have discovered that the average ice cube tray holds two cups of liquid. 1/8th cup per cube. I have melted down a bunch of oil and filled several ice cube trays with it, then I put them in the fridge to quickly cool them so the oil once again becomes solid. I then emptied the trays into a tuperware container and put a lid on it. I will keep this in the fridge so that it does not melt. When cooking, I just count out qubes until I have the desired ammount. 1 cube = 1/8th cup - 2 cubes = 1/4 cup - 4 cubes = 1/2 cup - 8 cubes = 1 cup. What a fast and handy way to have the oil portion sized and ready to use at a moments notice ! ! Please share this on your pages to share with everyone who uses your product! I'm sure they will find it easy, convienient, and very useful ! Thank you for producing such a wonderful and healthy product ! ! I look forward to being a long time repeat customer ! !

# Posted By Ken B | 3/7/13 2:34 PM

Ken, what a great idea and method! Thank you for sharing, this is very useful.

# Posted By Sarah:) | 3/7/13 4:03 PM

Which is the best oil for weight loss?

# Posted By Pam | 4/1/13 9:19 AM

I have used Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil as well as store purchased coconut oil. The Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is so much better. I have used it on my hair to condition it with great results. My dog gets a tablespoonful everyday as well and I believe it helps him to have healthier skin. He has skin allergies. This oil is great for cooking and has a fresh taste. that doesn't leave an oily taste.

# Posted By Lisa M | 10/25/13 12:01 AM

I am new to using coconut oil products and am still experimenting with them. I' moving to a new house and am trying to get my pantry ready with them. I would love to try the three different types of coconut oils in my recipes! I'm curious to how I can or if I can use the oil in place of other oils in recipes. First I need to obtain the products, then bake and cook away!

# Posted By Caitlin H | 2/20/14 8:37 AM

Which one of the coconut oils is best for making lotion? Does it make it difference if I use the most expensive Gold label? I still do want my lotion to be organic and free of chemicals.

# Posted By Jennifer | 2/24/14 8:55 PM

Jennifer - I think in general, they'll all act the same. The Gold Label will have a stronger coconut scent, the Green Label probably a smoother texture (the oil itself tends to be silkier than the others in solid form) and milder coconut scent, and the Expeller Pressed would be a good neutral. They're all high quality oils so you'll have one amazing lotion no matter which you choose. Let us know how it turns out!

# Posted By Sarah S. | 2/24/14 10:36 PM

I ordered the gold label virgin coconut oil because I did not know if was fermented. I do not like the taste at all. What can I use it in? I ordered a gallon bucket and I don't want to waste it or the money I had to spend to get it.

# Posted By Johanna | 3/11/14 6:16 PM

Johanna - Use it as a regular cooking oil or anywhere you'd use butter or olive oil. You can also use it for skin care uses as is (moisturizer, makeup remover) or make products with it like salt & sugar scrubs, creams, etc.

# Posted By Sarah S. | 3/11/14 8:19 PM

have a Q regarding coconut oil & coconut creme. a lot of the recipes on this site have both listed in the recipe. I'm wondering if you have to use both or can you just use just coconut oil? Is the coconut creme added for a better consistency to the final product?

# Posted By Steph | 3/20/14 2:50 PM

I want to bake cookies using coconut oil Do I use it the same as I would shortening? Same amount given in recipe?

# Posted By JoAnna | 4/27/14 6:26 PM

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