The Delicious World of Coconut Oil Edibles
Baking and Cooking with Coconut Oil
If you are interested in healthy eating and nutrition, you might have already heard of the numerous benefits of coconut oil. Rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, this oil makes an excellent substitute for traditional cooking oils and butter. And not just that, coconut oil is also increasingly gaining popularity as a versatile ingredient in baking, adding a delicious and wholesome twist to your favorite desserts. Here we take a closer look at the ins and outs of cooking and baking with coconut oil.
Cooking with Coconut Oil
When used for cooking, coconut oil offers a range of health benefits that other oils simply cannot match. It has a high smoke point, meaning it can withstand high temperatures and has a longer shelf life than many cooking oils. This makes it ideal for frying, sautéing, and baking. But what really sets coconut oil apart is its composition. The majority of its fat content (about 50%) is made up of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs are metabolized differently than other fats, and research shows they can increase energy expenditure, reduce appetite, and help improve brain function. So, if you’re watching your weight or looking for a healthy alternative to other oils, cooking with coconut oil might just be the perfect solution.
There are many ways to start incorporating coconut oil into your cooking. You can use it whenever a recipe calls for oil or butter. It can also be added to smoothies, coffee, or tea for an extra boost of healthy fats.
Try making a simple stir fry by chopping your favorite vegetables and cooking them in a tablespoon or two of coconut oil. You can also use coconut oil to roast vegetables in the oven. Just drizzle it over the vegetables and let them roast until golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can even use coconut oil as a healthy replacement to butter in baking and cooking, like in this delicious whole-wheat sweet potato muffin recipe:
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 1/2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 eggs
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Combine the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg) in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, mashed sweet potatoes, almond milk, and eggs. Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Pour into greased muffin tins and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffin comes out clean. Enjoy!
Baking with Coconut Oil
Baking with coconut oil can offer a healthier and more wholesome twist to your favorite desserts. Not only does it add a light coconut flavor to your baked goods, but it’s also low in carbs and contains no cholesterol or trans fats. Coconut oil is solid at room temperature, so it can easily replace butter or other solid fats in your baking recipes.
One thing to keep in mind when baking with coconut oil is to use it in its liquid form. This can be achieved by gently heating the oil until it melts, or by mixing it with other warm ingredients such as melted chocolate or warm milk. Using coconut oil in its solid state can result in a dense and crumbly texture.
You can use coconut oil in just about any sweet treat that you would normally bake with butter or oil. Try making these healthy and delicious coconut oil chocolate chip cookies:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 3/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Combine the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt) in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips. Scoop tablespoons of the batter onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and press down lightly with a fork. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Enjoy with a tall glass of cold milk!
As you can see, there are many creative and healthy ways to use coconut oil in your cooking and baking. Experiment with your favorite recipes and see how coconut oil can add a wholesome twist to your meals and snacks.
Dos and Don’ts When Consuming Coconut Oil Edibles
With its numerous health benefits, coconut oil is increasingly becoming popular as a healthy fat source. As a result, many people are incorporating coconut oil into their daily meals, including baking and cooking. However, when it comes to consuming coconut oil edibles, there are certain dos and don’ts that one needs to take into account. Here are some of them:
Do Know the Right Dose
To enjoy the maximum benefits of coconut oil edibles, it is essential to know the right dosage. Experts recommend consuming 1 to 2 tablespoons of coconut oil daily. Consuming more than that may cause digestive problems such as diarrhea and stomach cramps. Additionally, coconut oil is high in calories, so be mindful of the amount you consume if you are watching your weight or on a calorie-controlled diet.
Don’t Cook with High Heat
When cooking with coconut oil, it is essential to be mindful of the heat. Coconut oil has a low smoke point, which means that it can break down and release harmful compounds if exposed to high heat. Therefore, it is best to use coconut oil for low-heat cooking such as sautéing and baking. For high-heat cooking such as frying, it is best to use oils that have a higher smoke point such as avocado oil.
Do Pair It with Other Ingredients
Coconut oil has a unique flavor that may not be suitable for all dishes. Therefore, it is best to pair it with other ingredients to neutralize the flavor and enhance the taste of the dish. For example, you can add coconut oil to your smoothie with other flavorful ingredients such as banana, berries, and honey. This way, you can enjoy the health benefits of coconut oil without compromising the flavor of your dish.
Don’t Use Refined Coconut Oil
Refined coconut oil goes through a refining process that involves high heat, chemicals, and bleaching, which removes the natural flavor, aroma, and nutrients. As a result, refined coconut oil loses some of the health benefits that are present in virgin or unrefined coconut oil. Therefore, when purchasing coconut oil for consumption, it is best to look for virgin or unrefined coconut oil options.
Do Opt for Organic Coconut Oil
When it comes to consuming coconut oil edibles, organic coconut oil is always the best option. Organic coconut oil is made from coconuts that are free from pesticides, chemicals, and other harmful additives. It also ensures that the oil is of high quality and packed with nutrients. Additionally, organic coconut oil does not undergo any refining, which means that it retains its natural flavor, aroma, and health benefits.
By following these dos and don’ts when consuming coconut oil edibles, you can enjoy the numerous health benefits that come with this healthy, plant-based fat source. Always remember to be mindful of the amount you consume and make sure that you use the right type of coconut oil for different cooking purposes. With that, you can cook and bake with coconut oil with confidence and add a healthy twist to your delicious recipes.