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COCONUT OIL: 6 COOKING USES

Do you know coconut oil? Only in the beauty sector or also in the kitchen? Today we will explain its properties and how it can be used in the kitchen.

Coconut oil is a vegetable oil, derived from the processing of the pulp of coconuts. Their almond, more or less dried and called copra, is the raw material for the preparation of the oil. Mainly known in the beauty sector, it is also finding much more application in the kitchen with many different uses.

Initially little appreciated for its saturated fat content, it is gradually being used more and more because it contains many substances which would not only cancel out the effect of saturated fatty acids but are very good for health.

Typical of Southeast Asian countries, it has become increasingly used in food to give that exotic and tropical touch to the kitchen.



COCONUT OIL PROPERTIES

Broken and tidy coconut on a yellow background

Coconut oil is an oil high in saturated fat -- one tablespoon contains 130 calories and 13 grams of saturated fat.

Coconut oil is, in fact, a source of fat and is often used as a condiment by those who want to eat healthy to reach their daily quota of saturated fat. It has a high satiating power and is even thought to be able to speed up the metabolism.

Despite being a fatty oil, it is rich in nutrients that are a highly available source of energy. It is also widely used by those who play sports and is used in snacks before training, as it is able to bring a lot of energy, helping the body to burn excess calories.

The triglycerides present in coconut oil, transformed into ketones, are used by the body as fuel for the brain, thus also promoting memory.

If it's organic, it's even better because it's cold pressed and without the addition of hydrogenated fats . In fact, the latter contain trans fats, responsible for raising the levels of "bad" cholesterol, which cause cardiovascular problems.

Coconut oil is also considered a healthy food due to its properties, but it is important to consume it in moderation (do not exceed two tablespoons a day).

USES IN THE KITCHEN

Coconut oil is a versatile and natural ingredient that can be used in the preparation of many products. Here are 6 ways it can be used in the kitchen:

1. SUBSTITUTE FOR BUTTER IN THE PREPARATION OF BAKED CAKES

Coconut dessert with coconut flakes on a black background

Coconut oil can be used to make baked sweets. Being a fat like olive oil or butter, coconut oil can be used as an alternative.
  • It can be used as an alternative to butter, margarine or vegetable fats to make muffins, cakes, biscuits, shortcrust pastry or puff pastry thanks to its resistance to high temperatures. Coconut oil is an alternative capable of giving the same softness to the dough and giving it an extra touch thanks to its exquisite exotic flavour. Perfect for vegans: it is the ideal solution in the dough for vegan desserts.
    Having an already sweet taste, it is a good alternative to sugar in the preparation of desserts.
  • It can be used in place of a liquid oil , such as olive or seed oil. When used in the same quantities, texture and taste will remain the same.

2. SUBSTITUTE OF OLIVE OIL FOR PREPARATIONS IN THE PAN

Pans with scrambled eggs and sunny side up

Because it can withstand high temperatures and has a mild flavor, coconut oil lends itself well to a variety of cooking methods:
  • If you want to sauté or sautée something in a pan, replace the olive oil or butter with coconut oil in equal proportions. Cooking eggs and pancakes. In addition to that of pancakes, coconut oil can be used in cooking fried or scrambled eggs, in which it replaces olive oil very well. Also, for greasing the pancake maker. seed oil or butter are usually used. By replacing them with coconut oil, you will gain in taste.
  • Used in baking for roasting . Virgin coconut oil is used a lot for baking, particularly if you love that exotic coconut flavor.
  • For frying : being usable at high temperatures, it is perfect for frying certain foods such as chips and popcorn.

3. ADDED IN SMOOTHIES

Smorte with coconut flake and straw
Delicious smoothies can be made with coconut oil, using it instead of sugar for sweetness. 1 or 2 teaspoons are enough and your smoothie will be nutritious and satiating , thanks to the amount of fat present.

If the coconut oil is solid, it is because the temperature is below 24 degrees. In this case it is better to first melt it in a pan and then pour it into the blender otherwise it could break into small pieces without melting.

Coconut oil goes well with most exotic fruits, especially bananas and avocados.

4. SALAD DRESSING

Two plates with green salads, tomatoes, olives, and bowl with salsa
Common salad dressings include olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Coconut oil is a possible variant both for its taste and its properties. The sweet aftertaste goes well with both fruit and vegetables.

5. TOPPING FOR PANCAKES AND POPCORN

Plate with pancakes with bananas, knife
Ideal for vegans, because it can be used to create icings to spread on cakes and cupcakes. You can use coconut oil on pancakes instead of butter or spread on toast. It is also a perfect topping on freshly made popcorn: the taste is more pleasant and enhances its properties.

6. AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROCESSED VEGETABLE OIL

Chocolate Lover Granola Clemi's Market Pour
Vegetable oils? No thank you! Coconut oil is a perfect substitute for processed oils like palm oil or sunflower oil.

Tired of "healthy" granolas that actually contain processed fats and oils we chose coconut oil for the Original Granola and Chocolate Lover Granola .

The coconut oil we use is high quality and organic, precisely to avoid the addition of further fats and because it is rich in properties compared to the traditional one.

Organic coconut oil makes the granola nutritious, filling, healthy and also gives it a delicious exotic note. Thanks to coconut oil, our products are organic and 100% natural.

If you don't use coconut oil when cooking yet, it's time to start! Versatile and exotic, it is the secret touch for every preparation and perfect for replacing butter in vegetable cuisines.
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