Does Coconut Oil Have to Be Virgin?
No, coconut oil does not have to be virgin. There are two main types of coconut oil: virgin and refined.
-
Virgin coconut oil: This type is made using fresh coconut meat and is typically processed without the use of heat or chemicals. It often retains more of the coconut's natural flavor and aroma. The term "virgin" indicates a method of extraction that maintains the oil's natural characteristics. Examples include Nutiva Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, which is described as having "a creamy taste of the tropics," and La Tourangelle Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, praised for its "pure fresh coconut taste." [Source: Nutiva, La Tourangelle] The definition of virgin coconut oil also usually includes a cold-pressed extraction process without bleaching, hexane, or deodorization. [Source: Nutiva] It may also be expeller-pressed from carefully dried coconuts, as seen in Dr. Bronner's Regenerative Organic Certified® Coconut Oil. [Source: Dr. Bronner's]
-
Refined coconut oil: This type is made from dried coconut meat (copra) and undergoes a refining process that removes impurities, altering its flavor and aroma. This process may involve bleaching and deodorizing. [Source: reference text] Refined coconut oil often has a more neutral taste.
The choice between virgin and refined coconut oil often depends on personal preference for flavor and aroma, as well as intended use. While some sources suggest that virgin coconut oil may retain more of the coconut's beneficial compounds, this is a subject of ongoing research. For example, a study applied virgin coconut oil topically. [Source: Healthline] However, other sources note that the term "virgin" isn't strictly governed by a single body. [Source: Reddit] In some cases, like using coconut oil in cooking where a neutral flavor is preferred, refined coconut oil may be the better option.
