Whole Story

More and more coconut products are coming onto the market recently. There’s the hydrating coconut water and the refreshing non-dairy coconut milk. Heck, there’s even coconut milk ice cream. But have you ever tried coconut oil? Don’t feel left out, not a lot of people here in the US have. The coconut has been an important food source for people living in the tropical areas of Asia, Africa, the Pacific and South America. In fact, the coconuts are mentioned in Indian documents dating BCE and coconut oil remains an essential cooking oil in India today. Pressed from the fruit of the coconut palm tree, coconut oil is ideal for light fare and subtly flavored dishes. It gives a perfect hint of coconut flavor to ethnic dishes like Chicken and Vegetable Curry Soup. It’s divine in baked goods, desserts, confections and smoothies—try Raw Banana Ice Cream. Use it to sauté veggies or drizzle over popcorn, for a delicious, can’t-quite-place-it flavor. In addition to eating coconut oil, you can also warm it up and use it as a massage oil, or rub it into your skin and hair for a radiant shine. So, do you want to give it a try now? Well, let me tell you about a great coconut oil that’s currently available only in our stores. Dr. Bronner’s Magic “All-One!” Fair Trade & Organic Fresh-Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil—yes, quite a mouthful to say, but totally worth it! Available in Whole Kernel and White Kernel varieties, both are unrefined so they retain their original nutrient content, flavor and color. What we really appreciate about Dr. Bronner’s is their profound commitment to sourcing their main ingredients from Fair Trade and organic sources. Their goals are that everyone in their supply chains receive fair compensation; that farming and production practices have minimal environmental impact and to contribute to local development projects in the communities where they source ingredients. When they couldn’t find a suitable supply of Fair Trade organic coconut oil for their products, Dr. Bonner’s decided to make their own and the Serendipol project was born. Serendipol is a subsidiary of Dr. Bonner’s located in Sri Lanka and is now the world's foremost source of certified organic and Fair Trade virgin coconut oil, supplying cosmetics grade coconut oil for Dr. Bonner’s well-know soaps, as well as premium-quality food-grade coconut oil. In fact, they even supply their Fair Trade and organic coconut oil to other like-minded companies. Dr. Bronner’s web site offers more information on their efforts, including this beautiful video about Serendipol that explains their efforts and captures the vibrancy of Sri Lanka. Take a look and the next time you’re in the store, pick up a jar of coconut oil and give it a try.Have you had coconut oil? Tell us your favorite uses.