Posted by Lyndi

Last month I came across an offer on the foodieblogroll community board looking for bloggers who were interested in trying a sample of Tropical Traditions Gold Label Standard Virgin Coconut Oil.  I jumped at the opportunity because I am extremely intrigued by coconut oil.

First of all, let’s just talk about their web site.  It is home to a plethora of frequently asked questions, such as:

Q: How does one use coconut oil?

Q: Will cooking with Coconut Oil cause it to become hydrogenated and toxic like hydrogenated oils?

Q: How can I use coconut oil in cooking and baking?  Are there any kitchen-tested recipes?

Q: Does coconut oil need to be kept in the refrigerator? How long does it last?

Q: What is Gold Label Coconut Oil? 

In a nutshell, this is what I learned:

Coconut oil is a stable cooking oil and can be used as a butter substitute for spreads or baking, or cooking. The beauty is that it is also very stable at a high cooking temperature since it is NOT hydrogenated (chemically altering the oil which creates harmful fatty acids).  And since it is not hydrogenated, there is no need to refrigerate because it is already in a solid state.  Perfect.

How does it taste?

This is a light and airy oil. It is a perfect accompaniment to fish or pan-fried chicken cutlets.  I challenge anyone to not fall in love with coconut oil sautéed Yukon gold potatoes dusted with sea salt, pepper and garlic powder.  The taste is extremely light in your mouth and there is a ever so slight hint of the tropical aroma of the coconut oil.

Now let’s briefly talk about Tropical Traditions Gold Label Standard Virgin Coconut Oil.

A brand is just a brand, right?

Wrong.

Brian Shilhavy, CEO of the company started production of Tropical Traditions Gold Label Standard Virgin Coconut Oil in 2002.  When I say “started production,” I do not mean mass production made by machine.  No, what I mean is that this brand is produced in the Philippines in the old traditional manner of grating fresh coconut and extracting the coconut oil simply by letting the coconut oil separate naturally from the coconut milk.  It is not refined.  In fact, there are hundreds of families involved in making this coconut oil, many for the past seven years.  Through experience they have learned how to pick the best coconuts and the extraction process is completed often within 24 hours of picking the coconut!  Okay, that explains why they are considered the Gold Label Standard.  However, what I didn’t realize was that when tested, Tropical Traditions Gold Label Standard Virgin Coconut Oil had antioxidant levels twice has high as any other coconut oil on the market.  Score!

Cute little side note…

My dad is the most fittest and healthiest 80 year old I have ever known.  He takes good care of himself with a healthy diet and exercise. I was at his home on Friday and I asked him if he used coconut oil.  “Yes,” I use it all the time as a replacement to butter and oil.  I actually buy it on bulk and keep a small amount in a jar by the stove.  I don’t buy it at the store, I get the best source online.”

Can you guess which brand it was?

Yep. Tropical Traditions.

I’m sold.