Here’s what you need to know about popular coconut products.
Coconut Oil
You have lots of options here, depending on what you want to use it for. Mainly, you can buy virgin or refined (or all-purpose) coconut oil. Unrefined virgin coconut oil can be used to cook in temps up to 350 degrees F or applied to your skin and hair.All-purpose coconut oil has a higher smoking point, so you can use it to cook food up to 400 degrees F.It also doesn’t have the telltale tropical smell and flavor that virgin coconut oil does, making it a better neutral cooking oil. Find coconut oil next to other cooking oils at grocery or natural foods stores.
Coconut oil does not have to be refrigerated. Simply store it in a cool, dry place.
One note: Coconut oil is a solid at cooler temperatures; at warm temperatures, it’s a liquid. That doesn’t compromise the taste or quality of the oil, but it is something to be aware of when you go to use it.
Coconut Milk
Coconut milk can be bought in a can, and you have the option of full- or reduced-fat, depending on your dietary goals. Make sure that the brand you buy is free of added ingredients. Ideally, coconut milk contains just coconut and water. The canscan be stored unopened in your pantry.
Canned coconut milk (usually used in cooking) is different from coconut beverages, which are a nondairy alternative to milk. Look for unsweetened varieties. Coconut drinks are already slightly sweet, so you won’t miss the added sugar. These are usually found in the refrigerated section or packaged in a shelf-stable box. When opened, they need to be refrigerated.
Coconut Water
You have a lot of options when shopping for coconut water, and it mainly comes down to your taste preference. However, look for beverages with no added sugar. Some flavored versions contain the no-calorie sweetener Stevia. You can often find these in the refrigerated case.
Coconut Flour
Look for coconut flour as a new addition to the other flours at the grocery store. You can also easily buy bags online. Store coconut flour in a cool, dry place in an airtight container out of the sunlight.
Whole Coconut
Occasionally, your grocery store may sell whole coconuts, but it’s far easier to buy shredded or flaked coconut. Just like most of these products, make sure that the coconut you’re using does not have added sugar — packages will likely be marked as “unsweetened.” Look for these in the baking aisle or bulk bins of your grocery store. Keep in a cool, dry place in your pantry.
