No, not all coconut oil smells.
The Scent of Coconut Oil: A Matter of Refining
The scent of coconut oil is directly related to its processing. The reference states that unrefined coconut oil possesses a strong coconut aroma. This is because unrefined coconut oil retains more of the natural components of the coconut, including the fragrant compounds that contribute to its characteristic smell.
However, refined coconut oil undergoes a process that removes many of these aromatic compounds. This results in a product with a much milder or even absent coconut scent. Therefore, the answer depends on the type of coconut oil.
- Unrefined Coconut Oil: Typically has a strong, noticeable coconut scent.
- Refined Coconut Oil: Usually has a much weaker or undetectable coconut scent. This makes it a preferred choice for baking where a strong coconut flavor might be undesirable.
Therefore, while some coconut oil has a pronounced coconut smell, other varieties are virtually odorless. The presence or absence of a scent is a key distinction between refined and unrefined types.
