COCONUT OIL EXTRACTION

COCONUT OIL EXTRACTION

Coconut oil is edible oil that can be extracted directly from coconut milk or Copra (dried coconut meat). Coconut oil has a slightly nutty and sweet flavor. Coconut oil is a rich source of lauric acid (saturated fat) vitamin E, vitamin K, and iron. Apart from the use of coconut oil in cooking, baking, and frying, coconut oil can also be used as hair and skin product and as a major raw material in the production of cosmetics. Coconut oil can be extracted from coconut through fermentation, heating and expelling process.

FERMENTATION PROCESS

EQUIPMENT De-shelling Machine, Grater, Grinder, coconut milk extractor, Stainless bowls, Knives.

In the fermentation process, coconut oil is extracted from coconut milk. Here the coconut milk is kept in a warm environment for 2-3 days. After which the coconut milk will separate into three distinct layers, the cream at the top is scooped out while the oil in the middle is carefully poured into another container. The cream can be heated to remove any oil. The oil is filled into bottles, sealed and labeled.

NOTE: All utensils used should be sterilized and clean to avoid contamination, hence affecting the color and flavor of the oil.

HEATING PROCESS

EQUIPMENT De-shelling Machine, Grater, Grinder, coconut milk extractor, Stainless bowls, Knives, Heater In the heating process, coconut oil is extracted from coconut milk.

FLOW CHART OF COCONUT OIL EXTRACTION

Heating: Heat the coconut milk on a heater until all the water evaporates and the oil is virtually seen.

Cooling: After heating, allow the cream and oil mixture to cool.

Filtering: filter using a cheesecloth to squeeze out the oil.

Settling: Allow the oil to settle.

Decanting: carefully pour the oil into another container, leaving the residue in the bottom Packaging and Labeling: Fill the oil into bottles, seal, and label.

NOTE: Heating at about 93-102 degrees Celsius will give light color oil but above this temperature, the color of the oil becomes golden and might become darker at very high temperature.

EXPELLING (DRY PROCESS)

EQUIPMENT De-shelling Machine, Grater, dryer,  oil expeller/oil press, Stainless bowls, Knives.

In the expelling process, oil is extracted from the copra (dried coconut meat) using a screw press or an expeller.

FLOW CHART OF COCONUT OIL EXTRACTION

De-husking: Remove the husk from the coconut

De-Shelling: Remove coconut flesh from the shell.

Grating: Grate coconut flesh into smaller sizes.

Drying:  Dry the grated coconut in the dryer to give copra.

Expelling:  Extract oil from copra (Dried Coconut flesh) with an oil expeller or press Settling: Allow the oil obtain to settle for a day

Filtering: Filter the oil to remove residues.

Packaging and Labeling: Fill the oil into bottles, seal, and Package.