Not all coconut oil is the same. The label usually tells you how the oil was made, and that changes its smell, taste and colour. Here is what the terms mean.

Virgin, cold-pressed coconut oil

"Virgin" means the oil is made from fresh coconut without high heat or chemical solvents. "Cold-pressed" refers to a gentle, low-temperature process that keeps the oil close to its natural state. The result has a clear, natural coconut aroma and taste. CocoSabay oil is virgin, cold-pressed and unrefined, produced by natural fermentation in small batches.

Refined coconut oil

Refined oil is processed further — often bleached and deodorised — which removes most of the coconut smell and flavour and gives a very neutral oil. It is usually made from dried coconut (copra) on an industrial scale.

Which should you choose?

• Choose virgin, cold-pressed when you want the natural coconut aroma — for baking, drizzling, cosmetics and coffee.
• Choose refined only if you specifically want a flavourless oil for high-heat frying and do not mind the extra processing.

For everyday cooking and natural skin and hair care, a pure virgin oil is the more natural choice. Explore CocoSabay Virgin Coconut Oil in 300 ml and 500 ml jars.