Virgin Coconut Oil: 6-Step Process to Follow to Make VCO at Home

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By Veronica Chan , Parent Herald Sep 10, 03:35 am

Virgin coconut oil (VCO) has many uses. Besides cooking, it can be used for its medicinal and other healing properties. The term "virgin" is used to signify that no or low heat was used during the process of extraction. Here is a 6-step process on how to make virgin coconut oil at home.

Ingredients

To extract 3 liters of coconut milk, you will need around 9 to 10 coconuts. From this amount of milk, you could get about 150 grams of coconut oil. To make 1 liter of coconut milk, you will need to use about 3 to 4 coconuts, which will then produce 50 grams of oil.

The time-consuming yet easy extraction process

Sunitha Vijayan, who prepares homemade coconut oil, explained that the method that has been used by our forefathers to extract virgin coconut oil is called the "Hot Process." All you need are kitchen tools and vessels at home. The product will be in its purest form as no preservatives and additives are used.

Step 1

Collect the flesh from the coconut then grate them.

Step 2

Place the grated flesh in a muslin cloth then squeeze them using your hands to get the coconut milk. You may add a very little amount of hot water for easy handling and to squeeze out all the milk from the flesh.

virgin coconut oil, process to make at home, how to make virgin coconut oil at home

(Photo: unsplash/Birgith Roosipuu)

Step 3

Sieve the collected coconut milk using a muslin cloth to remove all impurities.

Step 4

Transfer the coconut milk into a brass vessel, which is called Urli in Malayalam. Put it on low heat and let it cook for two to three hours.

Step 5

Stir the milk now and then until the color becomes brownish. Be careful not to burn it as it has a very delicate texture.

Step 6

Remove the solution from fire once it becomes concentrated. Allow it to cool before placing the thickened milk in a muslin cloth. Squeeze out the oil into a bowl. Store it in a can or plastic bottle.

The homemade virgin coconut oil could last for eight to ten months or up to one year. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to prevent contamination. Exposure to air could cause the coconut oil to lose its qualities.

Benefits of VCO

Having a strong taste and fragrance, VCO has many health benefits. It contains a high amount of protein, vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fatty acids. Vijayan shares some of the good uses of virgin coconut oil.

Because it is mild and fresh, VCOs could be used as a moisturizer even in newborn babies. It also helps lower bad cholesterol levels which is caused by most of the refined oils. It could also help treat mouth ulcers. Just dab a small amount and let it stay overnight. The VCO is also great at preventing acne and controlling dandruff.