The two terms, virgin and extra virgin have no set definitions for coconut oil to clearly discern the difference between virgin and extra virgin coconut oil. But, both refer to unrefined coconut oil.
Coconut oil is an edible oil popular all over the world. The label virgin coconut oil indicates that oil is unrefined and usually cold pressed. But there is no definition or standard for the name extra virgin. Companies often use the label extra virgin coconut oil due to the popularity of extra virgin olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil is the best grade of olive oil available in the market. However, as mentioned above, extra virgin coconut oil and virgin oil are usually the same.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Virgin Coconut Oil
– Definition, Features,
2. What is Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
– Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Virgin and Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Virgin and Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Coconut Oil, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Refined Coconut Oil, Unrefined Coconut Oil, Virgin Coconut Oil
What is Virgin Coconut Oil
Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is an unrefined and typically cold-pressed coconut oil. Coconut oil is available in the market as two varieties: unrefined oil and refined oil. Virgin coconut oil is an unrefined oil. In fact, it is a natural and unbleached product. Moreover, it is popular for its pleasant flavour, aroma, as well as the presence of healthy fatty acids, essential vitamin and powerful antioxidants.
Furthermore, the production of virgin coconut milk does not involve exposure to heat. Virgin coconut oil is extracted from coconut milk obtained from fresh coconuts. Moreover, virgin coconut oil can also be made directly by cold compression of fresh, dried coconut meal. Virgin coconut oil we obtain by cold compression method is far better than the oil extracted by the fermentation method.
Refined coconut oil, on the other hand, has no distinct aroma or flavour. It is made from dried coconut or copra. Therefore, virgin coconut oil is more expensive than refined coconut oil.
What is Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
There is no definition or standard for the name extra virgin. Companies use the label extra virgin coconut oil due to the popularity of extra virgin olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil is the best grade of olive oil available in the market. However, when choosing coconut oil, the label extra virgin is meaningless. Moreover, there are only two main types of coconut oils you need to know about – virgin coconut oil and refined coconut oil.
Similarities Between Virgin and Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
- Both these products are unrefined coconut oil, usually produced through cold-pressing.
- These labels mean the same – the coconut oil has not gone through various processing such as bleaching.
Difference Between Virgin and Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
In brief, there are only two main types of coconut oils you need to know about – virgin coconut oil and refined coconut oil. Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is unrefined and typically cold-pressed coconut oil. When choosing the coconut oil, the label extra virgin is meaningless as it has no accepted standard or definition. Therefore, there is no difference between virgin and extra virgin coconut oil.
Conclusion
The label virgin coconut oil indicates that oil is unrefined and usually cold-pressed. However, the label extra virgin is meaningless as it has no accepted standard or definition. Companies usually use this label to refer to virgin oil. Therefore, there is no difference between virgin and extra virgin coconut oil as these labels mean the same.
Reference:
1. “Understanding Coconut Oil.” Kimberton Whole Foods, 4 Nov. 2019, Available here.
2. “Virgin Coconut Oil: Uses, Nutrition And Health Benefits.” Netmeds, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Coconut” (CC0) via Pikrepo
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