Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Since I regularly use Nutiva's "Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil" (OEVCO), I decided to give their organic refined version a try. In Baking: Nutiva Organic Refined Coconut Oil makes a healthy (non-hydrogenated, non-GMO and hexane free) way to achieve tender, flaky homemade crusts and cookies. The higher smoke temperature makes this refined oil ideal for both baking and sautéing (400F vs. 350F for OEVCO). [I made two double batches of banana muffins with this product. One uses half butter and half refined coconut oil. The other uses just the refined oil (pictured in cupcake liners). They turned out nearly the same--moist, light and fluffy instead of dense and dry]. Oral Health ("Oil Pulling"): The refined oil is smoother and creamier than OEVCO. Still, my mouth doesn't feel as clean as it usually does after oil pulling. I do like how the neutral taste/smell makes it easier for me to keep swishing for the recommended 15-20 minutes. Hair and Body Treatments: I make lotion, lip balm and hair conditioner out of organic coconut oil. The refined oil feels lighter than OEVCO. It's easier to apply and is not so greasy. I also enjoy taking a break from smelling like coconut. Note: Though refined coconut oil has less phytonutrients than what is found in OEVCO (antioxidizing polyphenols get damaged during the heating process), Nutriva has made a deodorized coconut oil that has the same amount of Medium Chain Triglycerides (63%) and Lauric Acid (50%) as its extra virgin counterpart. Nutiva's steam refining process (in lieu of using chemicals) clearly makes this a better refined product.