Friday Favorite: Tropical Traditions + giveaway
A few years ago, as we were transitioning to Real Food, I read Nourishing Traditions: The Cookbook that Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and the Diet Dictocrats. We’d been using some coconut oil on occasion before this, but we started using more after reading this book. Once you start reading up on the health benefits of coconut oil it seems like a wonder food, it does everything from boosting your immune system to lowering your bad cholesterol. I won’t go into all the details and health benefits of coconut oil here, I’ll add some links to the bottom of this post if you’re interested. I have to say, since we nixed other oils in our diets for coconut oil and butter several years ago we haven’t had to deal with colds or the flu, now I’m a big believer in the immune boosting properties of butter and coconut oil.
We use coconut oil as one of our main cooking fats, along with local pastured butter and organic olive oil. Coconut oil has a higher smoking point than olive oil and butter, so it’s very useful in high heat cooking. It makes the best popcorn when mixed with ghee and you can’t beat potatoes fried in coconut oil. I’ve tried many different brands of coconut oil, and a few different varieties before finding Tropical Traditions and falling in love with their products. I have many of their products in my pantry: Gold Label Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Expeller Pressed Coconut Oil, Coconut Cream, Shredded Coconut and I also get my tuna from them and I love them all – if you’re looking for great quality coconut products look no further.
I use the various Tropical Traditions products for different things. The Gold Label Extra Virgin is a fragrant coconut oil, meaning that is smells of coconut and infuses food with a slight coconut flavor. If you’ve ever tried using it for cooking mushrooms or something you quickly realize that it works in some applications and not others. I do not like the virgin oil when it comes to frying potatoes, mushrooms, onions or other savory type applications. It does however work beautifully in baked goods where a hint of coconut enhances the flavor. I use the Virgin Coconut oil in my healthy carrot oatmeal bites. It also makes basmati rice taste exotic and tropical. Simple add one Tablespoon for each cup of rice and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how delicious the rice is.
If you want to cook savory items, like mushrooms, that you don’t want to have that coconut taste, you’ll want to use expeller pressed coconut oil. This imparts no coconut flavor whatsoever. If you’re averted to coconut in any way, this is the coconut oil for you. You can still enjoy the health benefits without the coconut flavor. I also love their coconut cream, which is simply ground coconut. It has the most wonderful coconut flavor. I eat it by the spoonful and slather it on my toast. I hear you can also use it to make coconut milk, but since I have a bunch of coconut oil in my pantry I haven’t tried this yet.
Another benefit of coconut oil is that you can use it as a skin lotion. Coconut oil is supposed to help in treating various skin problems including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and other skin infections. It works wonders for my skin, keeping me from getting the dry flakiness that I used to get in the winter. I’ve also read that your skin absorbs some of the health benefits of the oil when you use it topically – bonus. I use coconut oil on my hair, it keeps it shiny and soft. You have to play around a little to find what amount works for you. I often put it on before going to bed at night and wash it out in the morning, I also use a tiny amount after washing for a conditioner and shine enhancer.
Coconut oil also comes in very handy for seasoning cutting boards and wooden spoons. Melt some coconut oil in a small cast iron skillet, add a thin layer to spoons and boards, then put them in the oven on low (170) for 30 minutes. They will absorb the oil, if they’re really dry you can repeat this process several times until they quit soaking it up. I do this at least once a month to keep my wooden cooking utensils in tip top shape.
I love it when I can use one product for so many different things. When you live in a small house, being able to use the same product for hand cream, hair conditioner, wooden utensil seasoning and cooking is a big bonus. Not to mention it’s a very inexpensive non-toxic option for all these uses! I am also experimenting with using coconut oil as a wood furniture polish and a few other applications, I’ll let you know when I come across another great use.
Now on to the good stuff. Tropical Traditions is giving away one 32 oz jar of Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil to one lucky reader. Comment below for your chance to win.**winner chosen** They’re always having great sales as well, I usually watch for their sale e-mails and follow them on Twitter and buy a year’s worth when they have a good sale. You can sign up for their sale e-mails and follow them on Twitter for the latest info. Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions did give me a jar of their coconut oil, but I’ve been purchasing their oil for several years now. I wouldn’t lead you astray and tell you to buy something I’m not willing to spend my own hard earned money on.
**The Captain’s Wife has won a jar Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil. Her comment was so great, I love the story. Head on over to her blog to read more about her life as a Navy Captain’s Wife.
Are you a coconut oil convert? What kind of cooking fat is used most often in your kitchen?
Organic Facts: Health Benefits of Coconut Oil
Livestrong: What is Virgin Coconut Oil?
CoconutInfo.com
We have a winner for our Lemon Ladies Meyer Lemon gift bag, congrats to:
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172 Comments to “Friday Favorite: Tropical Traditions + giveaway”
About
This is a daily journal of my efforts to cultivate a more simple life, through local eating, gardening and so many other things. We used to live in a small suburban neighborhood Ohio but moved to 153 acres in Liberty, Maine in 2012.
Thank you so much for introducing us readers to so many new and wonderful things. I had no idea about the health benefits of coconut oil, but am absolutely willing to try it! I’m wondering about frying donuts in it. Our family has a tradition of making donuts maybe 3 times a year, usually at camp for Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day. There are even a few fishermen that come up from the lake to our camp each Memorial Day, to snag a few warm donuts! I’d love to try coconut oil in the basmati rice too. Yum! Thanks for the helpful tips!
to Stone Soup's comment
Yes, it’s perfect for frying since it has a high smoking point. I use it for frying potatoes and plantains and it works beautifully. I just saved a recipe for fried pumpkin donut balls and I’ll have to use it for those. I’d recommend using the expeller pressed for frying since it’s much cheaper than the virgin oil, although a little coconut flavor in a donut would be fab. Tropical Traditions often has great sales so if you keep checking back you’ll find what you want on sale. I always wait and buy a year’s worth when I find it on sale.
to Susy's comment
Huh. I just bought my very first jar–mostly for the health and beauty aspect more than cooking. But there are so many good ideas here, I might just have to bring my jar into the kitchen.
to kristin's comment
We’ve had a jar of coconut oil around for a while, but I always forget about it. Thank you for reminding me of it! Marisa had a post about using beeswax on wooden utensils, and they looked so beautiful, I was bummed about not being able to do it (vegan and all), but the treating them with coconut oil makes so much sense! Thank you.
to Kat's comment
Try eating a spoonful of cold coconut oil. It tastes like white chocolate! And is good for you.
to Michele's comment
What a lovely giveaway! I’ve been buying coconut oil for several years to use on my skin and hair. I’ve just been picking up what I can find at our Indian grocer. But I love your idea of using on wooden kitchen utensils…I’ll try that today!
to esp's comment
I’ve been using coconut oil for about six months. I read about how it’s good for people with high cholesterol so I’ve been trying to use it in place of as many oils as possible since my Husband has high cholesterol. Since I’ve started using it, I’ve been finding out more and more info about coconut oil and it’s all been GOOD. A friend of mine wen through chemotherapy and one of the things that helped her through it was adding, are you ready for this? adding a tablespoon of it to her COFFEE! I had to give it a try just to see if it was as awful as it sounded. It didn’t change the taste, but it gave it a heavy oily feeling, of course. BUT compared to other remedies out there, this is one remedy that I would be able to deal with. One other thing about it is I have hypothyroidism. I found out just two days ago that extra virgin coconut oil is supposed to help your thyroid. I’ll be giving it a try!
to Rhonda's comment
So great that it helped your friend. I often put a tiny bit in my tea, it moisturized my lips while I drink my tea.
I try to feed it to the resident Chiots who has hypothyroid, it seems to help her (along with seaweed and an herbal supplement).
to Susy's comment
I would love to use this more, but I will admit I have only bought coconut oil once. Your post gave very good information Thank you
Erika
to Erika's comment
I’ve never cooked with coconut oil, but it certainly sounds interesting. I usually use olive oil or butter. When my son was small and having a hard time gaining weight, I used to add coconut cream to lots of his food.
to Katherine's comment
I do use coconut oil, but from the grocery store. I’ve been wanting to try Tropical Traditions brand for quite some time.
to Tracy's comment
I was dissapointed I didn’t win the Meyer Lemons but can’t wait to win the coconut oil. We do have some in the pantry but I always forget to use it. You have given me some great ideas!
to Neely's comment
Thanks for all the good information regarding coconut oil- was not sure what each type was best used for and you cleared those up for me. We do use coconut oil to pop popcorn but not for anything else. Mostly use olive oil
to alecia's comment
Great post! Never knew there were different types of coconut oil. I use coconut oil now, but not Tropical Traditions brand. It sure would be great to compare!
to J's comment
Wow. I had no idea. I am going to get some today and start incorporating it into my cooking as soon as it arrives.
Thanks!
to Chandra's comment
Wow, who knew you could use coconut oil in so many forms in so many ways. Interesting. I’d be happy to give it a try! :-) (We do a lot of popcorn around here, I’m thinking that will be a hit. A lot of rice, too, actually … so both of those will be the first “tests”).
to Greg's comment
I have been meaning to try coconut oil, and this post may have pushed me over the edge.
to carla's comment
This is a great post! Thanks for all the information. I’ve always been confused about cooking oils. It seems like I’ve heard coconut oil is bad, but I’ll have to start doing some research. I have to admit that I have never cooked with coconut oil. We use mainly olive oil and sesame oil but it would be nice to add something new to the mix that was also healthy and had multiple uses.
to Danielle's comment
I use butter and olive oil, mostly. Bacon fat when we’ve some leftover, and canola for frying. I didn’t know coconut oil had a high smoke point so maybe I could stop using canola (don’t like using it at *all*).
I use coconut oil when I make soap, though I don’t think I’d use that to cook with, I’d use if for the other purposes you’ve stated.
to Kelly's comment
This is interesting. I’ve never cooked with cocunut oil and never really thought about how it could be used in so many different ways. I LOVE potatoes, and now I’m curious to try them fried in coconut oil. I also didn’t know about seasoning wooden utensils…I’ll be looking into that too. Thanks for this informative post!
to Angela's comment
I’ve wanted to try coconut oil for a long time, but I’ve never gotten around to it.
I didn’t realize how multi-purposed it can be.
to Alyse's comment
In my kitchen it’s usually butter and olive oil, but I’ve been curious about coconut oil for a while now. I didn’t know about its thyroid benefits until I read Rhonda’s comment, though. Now I’m dying to try it–I’m a hypothyroid sufferer too!
to Courtney F.'s comment
I grew up in a corn oil and margarine household, so it’s hard to convert. I now use olive oil whenever I can. Sometimes I don’t like the flavor of olive oil, so I’d be interested to try something new!
to Daedre Craig's comment
I use coco butter on my skin. Living in Nebraska, with bitter bitter winds and cold really takes a toll on skin and hair. What I enjoy is your explaination of different coco oils and butters and what they can be used for. Thank you.
We do not have a health food store that carries good oils. Does Tropical traditions have a web site? Their products look wonderful.
I swear by the coco butters and oils for hair and skin. I make a tiny mix of coco butter and coco oil, melt it and put it in a sterilized baby food jar with a lid, I use it constantly on my lips and skin before I go outside in the cold, It sinks in, is not greasy and gives a layer of protection from the elements.
I also have thyroid problems but I do not have a thyroid, and I had thyroid cancer, so my skin is very bad, but the use of the cocoa products really helps. It cannot hold a candle to any other product on the market for skin lotions or anything, I have tried everything. Coco wins every time.
to Denimflyz's comment
http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/ here’s a link, I always watch for sales and stock up about this time every year. I love using coconut oil on my lips as well, I put a tiny bit in my tea and this helps moisturize my lips while I drink my tea.
to Susy's comment
Thank you Suzy, I was not paying attention to your link. M<y brain is fuzzy from being in the house too much from the bitter cold and snow! lol
When I have a little extra cash toward the end of the month, I am going to put in an order for some oil and expeller pressed oil. Thank you so very much for your very informative and wonderful post. Have a great weekend.
to Denimflyz's comment
I use coconut oil for granola and the carrot oatmeal bite recipe you posted. I also use it for making soap and deodorant, and sometimes as conditioner, although it’s hard to get the amount right and not have greasy looking hair. I’ll be interested in researching its effects on people undergoing chemo as one of the other commenters mentioned, as my mom is starting chemo in the next few weeks.
to Janelle's comment
I would love to try the virgin coconut oil! I have some of the expeller-pressed kind, and I like it a lot but sometimes I do wish it tasted like coconut!
to Cate's comment
I have just started shopping at Tropical Traditions- They have great lotions for sensitive skin. :)
to L's comment
I think we’ve used coconut oil when we used to make goat milk soap.
Amy
to goatpod2's comment
I’ve tried it, but I didn’t realize that the expeller pressed was the one for savory/non-coconut applications. I’ll have to try that – thanks!
to kaela's comment
At first I was interested because I’ve never even heard of coconut oil. Then I was interested because I love coconut, but my husband doesn’t, so I was thinking there are products that could work for all of us. But the kicker for me is, eczema. My son has terrible problems with eczema. I can’t tell you how many products he’s been on that make me nervous and haven’t changed one thing since he was 3 months old. I swear every year it just gets worse, instead of better. Now I’m looking for unusual and organic ways to sooth it. Which one would be the best for skin?
to Anne's comment
I’d recommend the virgin for your son’s skin since it’s the least processed, although if you look on their website they have moisturizing creams & lotions, one of those might work, I haven’t tried any of them so I can’t say for sure what they’re like. You could also trying making coconut oil infused with plantain, plantain works wonders for me when I’m having itchy irritated skin problems and bug bites. Here’s my post on identifying plantain and making a poultice I also have a post on infusing oil with herbs you’d have to gently warm the coconut oil, or make sure you put it in a nice sunny warm window for the oil to stay in liquid form for infusing.
If you’ve never read The Unhealthy Truth: One Mother’s Shocking Investigation into the Dangers of America’s Food Supply– and What Every Family Can Do to Protect Itself if I remember correctly one of her children had terrible eczema problems that she was able to deal with through a few dietary changes that she talks about in the book.
to Susy's comment
Thanks Suzy, that’s alot of stuff to look into. I actually read your plantain article last summer and was excited because they grow plentiful around our house. Now that we are in TX, I think I’ll have to import them in! Crossing fingers we win!
to Anne's comment
I’ve been wanting to try it but refrained as my husband despises anything coconut…our friends mistakenly tried to make tacos using it one night and ended up with an island flair – TropoTacos we called them! I may have to invest in the flavor-less kind… thanks for the informative overview!!
to kirsten's comment
Yes, definitely can be an issue. He won’t notice at all with the expeller pressed. I accidentally had coconut flavored mushrooms that kind of ruined a pizza once and I LOVE coconut, but not so much coconut mushrooms on pizza.
to Susy's comment
Just looking at your wooden utensils makes me want to go and bake something!
I have never tried coconut oil but have wanted to. i just can’t find room in the food budget to buy it. I typically use EVOO or Veg oil or sesame oil = depending on what I’m cooking.
to Nancy from Mass's comment
I LOVE coconut oil! And was really excited, before you even said you were giving away a free one. One of my favorite ways to use it is when I make granola. The current coconut oil I use is from Walmart. :( And I am running low and was just thinking on changing brands. I hate buying stuff from Walmart. But, since the closed store is over an hour away. And Walmart is 15mins…. Sometimes I have to make the sacrifice!
I was just reading about hazelnut oil. I have not tried it, but its supposed to be awesome! I found this blog a couple months ago and love it!
to camille's comment
I’ve been wanting to try coconut oil for the longest time..but wasn’t sure which one i needed for what. But now that you’ve broekn it down, I have a better idea. Thank you! I’d love to win some to give it a try!!
to Michelle's comment
I just started using coconut oil & found it makes incredible corn bread!I originally bought it to make lotion bars, & it works great in that too. My winter dry skin is much improved. Thanks for the information on the different varieties!
to Nancy's comment
We mainly use olive oil but I have been on the search for alternatives.
to Zonnah's comment
You have not led us astry yet! I will give it a try. I use it in soap making and other natural cosmetics, so it would be a natural seque into cooking. Thank you, as always, for the good information.
to Susan's comment
We use coconut oil, butter, and olive oil. I get my coconut oil from Mountain Rose Herbs, though. I’ve never tried the coconut oil rom TT.
to mamaraby's comment
WOW – thanks for all the great info! I have been cooking mainly with olive oil, but have tried some coconut oil for a few things…popcorn – YUM! I use coconut oil in the soap I make and rub some into my hands when ever I have it out. Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to win some from Tropical Traditions. I always love hearing what other people are using and then all the other great info you gave us too. Hair, wooden utensils, lips, etc…Can’t wait to start using it more and more. Thanks Emily
to Sincerely, Emily's comment
My son, too, has terrible problems with eczema. I’ve been making salves with calendula oil, plantain, chickweed, and olive oil. I’d be curious to see if the coconut oil would be more moisturizing than the olive oil. Count my son’s irritated skin in! Many thanks
to Hailey in MT.'s comment
The absolute BEST i’ve found for dry skin & eczema is 1 part vegetable glycerin & 4 (or even 5) parts distilled water. If it feels a bit sticky, add more water. I usually use aloe vera juice instead of all or part of the distilled water. It is very liquid, so i put it in a spray bottle and use that to apply. Wonderful. My skin is no longer itchy and scaly.
I grew up in Bozeman, and the air where i live now is about as dry. This has done wonders for me and all the folks i’ve recommended it to.
to Kathryn's comment
Love chiots run. Never before heard of coconut oil for all things cooking. Please keep giving your “health benefits” resources!
to Bjones's comment
Coconut oil also makes killer soap when mixed with olive and palm oils…I forget it can be used for cooking too!!!!! I can’t wait to try it.
to beth baker's comment
We are still in the beginning baby steps of transitioning to Real Food. One of the first and easiest steps has been the transition to coconut oil (it was so cathartic to throw out my vegetable/canola oils).
I’ve been using it mostly for baking, but now I see there is a world of other possible uses. Most excellent. Thanks for the post.
to Charlotte A.'s comment
I looked into coconut oil when you posted your cookie recipe and decided I wanted to try it. Haven’t placed an order yet, though. Thanks for all the good info. :-)
to KimP's comment
I have not used margerine in EONS! I strictly use butter, having read in “Nourishing Traditions” and other places how much better for you butter is, I can’t seem to find local butter, but I keep trying. I do try my best to use “real” and nonprocessed food. I haven’t as of yet tried coconut oil….but I will now. Thanks for all your great information, but…..you really are not helping me out here with “No Spend February” :)
to Liz J's comment
I would love to try it! You and your website are an inspiration.
to J. Crowley's comment
My son attends a Waldorf school. We thought we were pretty healthy eaters, but we have learned, and continue to learn so much about food.
The Kindergarten uses Nourishing Traditions recipes. They made soup from the chicken broth recipe every week. After being treated to this broth we have never gone back.
Can’t wait to try coconut oil. I’ve sent a link to your post to many friends.
Thank you for lovely photos and great info.
to margaret's comment
I just ordered the Coconut Creme and Tropical Traditions Expeller Pressed Coconut Oil and found they were having a two for one special! Thanks for pointing me to the web site. I have a thyroid condition and started using coconut oil six months ago. Not only do I feel much better, I’ve lost 28 pounds! Goodness do I sound like an advertisement or what…I’m not! I’m a for real person that really uses and appreciates coconut oil. Thanks again for the link.
to Lynda's comment
Coconut oil is also amazing as a hand salve – I would love to try Tropical Traditions!
to Jennifer's comment
The possibilities are endless with coconut oil. We use mostly butter and olive oil for cooking. I’d love to try Tropical Traditions. Especially a spoonful of that coconut cream!
to Jerilee Costa's comment
Yaya! Great post and great giveaway! I love me some coconut oil. I’d never used it before i started making soap and lotion. It makes DIVINE lotion (or as you said, just lathered on straight) and i’ve started to cook with it. I made some fried tilapia the other night. Oh. My. God. So good. I’ll definitely start cooking with it more!
to Miranda's comment
Coconut oil is great. I haven’t tried Tropical Traditions yet. Would love to give it a taste.
to zsofia's comment