Easy Procedures to Make Homemade Coconut Oil in Nigeria (2024)

This article provides a step by step guide on how to produce homemade coconut oil in Nigeria easily. Producing coconut oil at home is an easy and cost-effective way to enjoy the benefits of this versatile oil. In Nigeria, where coconuts are abundant, making homemade coconut oil is a common practice. With just a few simple steps, you can produce your own pure, unrefined coconut oil that is free from additives and chemicals.

To make coconut oil at home, you will need fresh coconuts, a blender or food processor, a strainer, and a container for storing the oil. The process involves grating the coconut flesh, extracting the milk, and separating the oil from the milk. The oil is then heated and filtered to remove any impurities. The resulting oil can be used for cooking, skincare, and haircare.

While the process of making coconut oil at home may seem daunting, it is actually quite simple and can be done with minimal equipment. By producing your own coconut oil, you can ensure that you are using a high-quality, natural product that is free from harmful chemicals and additives. In the following sections, we will provide a step-by-step guide to producing homemade coconut oil in Nigeria.

WHAT COCONUT OIL IS ALL ABOUT

Coconut oil is a versatile oil that has gained popularity in recent years due to its numerous health benefits. It is extracted from the meat or kernel of mature coconuts harvested from the coconut palm tree.

There are different types of coconut oil available in the market, including virgin coconut oil, refined coconut oil, and unrefined coconut oil. Virgin coconut oil is considered the best as it is extracted from fresh coconut meat without any chemical processing. It is also known as cold-pressed coconut oil.

Homemade coconut oil is made by extracting the oil from the coconut meat at home using simple tools and techniques. It is unrefined and retains all the natural nutrients and fatty acids present in the coconut.

Coconut oil is rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from free radicals that can cause damage to cells. It is also high in saturated fat, which makes it a great source of energy. Coconut oil is also known for its antifungal properties, making it an effective treatment for skin and scalp infections.

Regular consumption of coconut oil can provide numerous health benefits, including improved digestion, weight loss, and better skin health. It is also used in many skincare products due to its moisturizing and anti-aging properties.

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT TO MAKE HOMEMADE COCONUT OIL

To produce homemade coconut oil in Nigeria, you will need a few materials and equipment. These include:

MATERIALS

• Coconuts: The number of coconuts required will depend on the amount of coconut oil you want to produce. A single coconut can produce about 100ml of coconut oil.
• Water: You will need water to extract the coconut milk from the grated coconut flesh.

EQUIPMENT

• Hammer and knife: To crack open the coconuts and extract the flesh.
• Blender or food processor: To blend the coconut flesh and water into a smooth paste.
• Large bowl: To collect the blended coconut mixture.
• Cheesecloth or filter: To strain the coconut milk from the blended mixture.
• Saucepan: To heat the coconut milk and extract the oil.
• Spoon: To skim off the oil from the top of the heated coconut milk.

It is important to note that the quality of the equipment used can affect the quality of the coconut oil produced. Therefore, it is recommended to use high-quality equipment to ensure the best results.

HOW TO PRODUCE HOMEMADE COCONUT OIL IN NIGERIA

Follow these easy steps below to make your own homemade coconut oil:

STEP 1: SELECT FRESH COCONUTS

To produce high-quality coconut oil, it is crucial to start with fresh and mature coconuts. Look for coconuts that are heavy and have a brown, hairy outer shell. Avoid coconuts with cracks or moldy spots, as they may affect the quality of the oil.

STEP 2: HUSK AND SPLIT THE COCONUTS

Begin by husking the coconuts to remove the outer shell. You can do this by using a sharp knife or a coconut husker tool. Once the husk is removed, rinse the coconuts thoroughly to eliminate any dirt or debris. Afterward, split the coconuts into halves using a cleaver or a sturdy knife.

STEP 3: EXTRACT THE COCONUT MILK

The next step is to extract the coconut milk from the split coconuts. Use a coconut grater or a food processor to grate the coconut meat finely. Add some water to the grated coconut and squeeze it with your hands to extract the milk. Strain the milk through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solid particles.

Once the coconut milk is extracted, it needs to be heated on low to medium heat until it separates into oil and water. It is important to stir the mixture frequently to prevent burning. The oil will rise to the top and the water will settle at the bottom.

After simmering for a while, the oil needs to be separated from the water. This can be done by skimming off the oil with a spoon or using a cheesecloth to strain the mixture. The oil should be clear and free of any impurities.

It is important to note that the quality of the oil depends on the quality of the coconuts used. Mature coconuts are ideal for oil extraction as they contain more oil. Young coconuts are difficult to process and produce little oil.

STEP 4: COOK AND FILTER

To cook coconut oil, you will need to heat the coconut milk until the oil separates from the milk. The heat should be low to medium to avoid burning the oil. You can use a pot or a pan to cook the coconut milk. It is important to stir the milk continuously to prevent burning.

You can also add hot water to the coconut milk to help separate the oil from the milk. The water should be hot but not boiling. Simmer the mixture until the oil separates from the milk.

Once the oil has separated from the milk, you will need to filter the oil to remove any impurities. You can use a cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer to filter the oil. Place the cheesecloth or strainer over a bowl and pour the oil through it.

If you want to remove any remaining impurities, you can filter the oil one more time using a clean cheesecloth or strainer. This will ensure that your coconut oil is pure and free of any debris.

STEP 5: FERMENT THE COCONUT MILK

To enhance the oil extraction process, it is recommended to ferment the coconut milk. Pour the extracted milk into a clean glass container and cover it with a breathable cloth. Allow it to sit at room temperature for approximately 24 to 48 hours. Fermentation helps separate the oil from the water content in the milk.

STEP 6: SEPARATE THE OIL FROM THE COCONUT MILK

After the fermentation period, you will notice a clear separation between the oil and the water in the coconut milk. Gently scoop out the oil layer using a spoon or ladle and transfer it to a clean cooking pot or a glass jar. Be careful not to disturb the water layer underneath.

STEP 7: FILTER AND REFINE THE COCONUT OIL

To remove any impurities and solids from the extracted oil, it is necessary to filter and refine it. Use a fine-mesh sieve or a cheesecloth to strain the oil and remove any remaining coconut particles. For a clearer and purer oil, you can repeat the filtration process multiple times. Once filtered, the oil is ready for further refinement.

STEP 8: STORE AND USE YOUR HOMEMADE COCONUT OIL

Store your homemade coconut oil in a clean, airtight container. Keep it in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight. Homemade coconut oil can be used for cooking, baking, skincare, and haircare purposes. It adds a delightful flavor to dishes and nourishes the skin and hair with its natural properties.

USAGE AND BENEFITS OF COCONUT OIL

Coconut oil has a wide range of uses and benefits, making it a popular ingredient in many households. Here are some of the ways you can use coconut oil:

• Skincare: Coconut oil is a great moisturizer for the skin. It can be used to treat dry skin, eczema, and psoriasis. It can also be used as a makeup remover and a lip balm.
• Hair conditioner: Coconut oil is a natural conditioner for the hair. It helps to reduce protein loss in the hair and prevent damage from combing and brushing. It can also be used as a hair mask for deep conditioning.
• Cooking: Coconut oil has a high smoke point, making it ideal for cooking at high temperatures. It can be used for frying, sautéing, and baking. It also adds a delicious coconut flavor to dishes.
• Weight loss: Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) which can help to boost metabolism and aid in weight loss.
• Digestion: Coconut oil can improve digestion and help to prevent stomach ulcers and other digestive problems.
• Health benefits: Coconut oil has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. It can help to boost the immune system and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

RECIPES AND VARIATIONS

Making homemade coconut oil is not only easy but also allows for endless recipe variations depending on one’s preferences. Here are some recipes and variations to try out:

BASIC COCONUT OIL RECIPE

To make coconut oil, one needs to extract oil from the coconut meat. Here is a simple recipe to follow:

1. Crack open the coconuts and remove the meat from the shells.
2. Rinse the coconut meat with water to remove any dirt or debris.
3. Grate the coconut meat using a grater or food processor.
4. Place the grated coconut in a pot and add water in a 1:1 ratio (equal parts coconut and water).
5. Heat the pot on low heat for about an hour, stirring occasionally.
6. Once the mixture has cooled, strain it using a cheesecloth or strainer to separate the coconut milk from the coconut solids.
7. Squeeze the cheesecloth or strainer to extract as much liquid as possible.
8. Leave the coconut milk to sit for a few hours or overnight until the oil separates from the water.
9. Skim off the oil from the top and transfer it to a clean, dry jar.

VARIATIONS

USING DESICCATED COCONUT

One can also use desiccated coconut to make coconut oil. Here is a recipe to follow:

1. In a pot, add 2 cups of desiccated coconut and 4 cups of water.
2. Heat the pot on low heat for about an hour, stirring occasionally.
3. Once the mixture has cooled, strain it using a cheesecloth or strainer to separate the coconut milk from the coconut solids.
4. Squeeze the cheesecloth or strainer to extract as much liquid as possible.
5. Leave the coconut milk to sit for a few hours or overnight until the oil separates from the water.
6. Skim off the oil from the top and transfer it to a clean, dry jar.

USING DRIED COCONUT

One can also use dried coconut to make coconut oil. Here is a recipe to follow:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Spread 2 cups of dried coconut on a baking sheet.
3. Bake the coconut for about 10-15 minutes until it turns golden brown, stirring occasionally.
4. Once the coconut has cooled, place it in a food processor and blend it until it turns into a smooth paste.
5. In a pot, add the coconut paste and 4 cups of water.
6. Heat the pot on low heat for about an hour, stirring occasionally.
7. Once the mixture has cooled, strain it using a cheesecloth or strainer to separate the coconut milk from the coconut solids.
8. Squeeze the cheesecloth or strainer to extract as much liquid as possible.
9. Leave the coconut milk to sit for a few hours or overnight until the oil separates from the water.
10. Skim off the oil from the top and transfer it to a clean, dry jar.

USING VIVA ORGANIC EXTRA VIRGIN COCONUT OIL

One can also use Viva Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil to make homemade coconut oil. Here is a recipe to follow:

1. In a pot, add 2 cups of Viva Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil and 4 cups of water.
2. Heat the pot on low heat for about an hour, stirring occasionally.
3. Once the mixture has cooled, strain it using a cheesecloth or strainer to separate the coconut milk from the coconut solids.
4. Squeeze the cheesecloth or strainer to extract as much liquid as possible.
5. Leave the coconut milk to sit for a few hours or overnight until the oil separates from the water.
6. Skim off the oil from the top and transfer it to a clean, dry jar.

CONCLUSION

Producing homemade coconut oil in Nigeria is a rewarding and cost-effective endeavor. By following the step-by-step process outlined in this article, you can extract high-quality coconut oil right in the comfort of your own home. Homemade coconut oil offers numerous health benefits and can be used in cooking, skincare, and haircare. Enjoy the versatility and natural goodness of homemade coconut oil by incorporating it into your daily routine.