I received a great book & jar of virgin coconut oil from Tropical Traditions not too long ago. I had never cooked with coconut oil before, so I was a little intimidated at first. But, as with all new, gluten-free products, I go in with an open mind. I just decided to jump right in & begin experimenting.
First, I read the book that was sent along. It is called “Virgin Coconut Oil” written by Brian & Marianita Jade Shilhavy. This books talks a lot about the health benefits & healing powers of virgin coconut oil. From the website:
Virgin Coconut Oil: How it has changed people’s lives, and how it can change yours!! is the most practical book written on the health benefits of coconut oil. Based on years of research and the experience of Brian and Marianita Shilhavy, this book documents how tropical cultures eating a diet high in the saturated fat of coconut oil enjoy long healthy lives. It also shows how a premium Virgin Coconut Oil has changed thousands of lives outside the tropics.
First I used the virgin coconut oil in place of olive oil when roasting vegetables like eggplant or zucchini. You may also have seen me use it in a few recipes lately on my blog, such as: Super-Charge Me Cookies or Cocoa Coconut Chili. I really enjoyed the foods that I made using the virgin coconut oil and see myself continuing to use it in the future. There is another recipe in the book that I am anxious to try – Coconut Cream Cheese Squares. That recipe uses coconut flour and coconut oil. I need to go through my stash of gluten-free flours before I am permitting myself to buy anymore. Remember the pantry?
You can order the virgin coconut oil straight from Tropical Traditions. You can see their weekly sales here. On top of a great product, Tropical Traditions also has great customer service. My coconut oil was damaged & lost during shipping. I called them upon receipt of my package and they immediately sent a new package out.
Filed under: Family, Gluten-Free, Gluten-free Products |
My son and me, November 2000. This is before we were gluten-free/diagnosed Celiac.
Gluten-free is Life 
Sounds great!! I prefer the Artisana brand of coconut butter/oil, but maybe I’ll give the Tropical Traditions brand a try 🙂 Thanks for the review!
I haven’t ever tried the Artisana. Can you get it in stores like Whole Foods or do you buy it online?
I have mixed feelings about coconut oil. I have tried it in a stir-fry and the flavor is just too intense for me. Not sure if I want to try it again; too expensive to waste if I don’t like it. Thanks for sharing!
Sorry that it was too intense for you. Maybe in baked goods if you still have some?
Hey Kim!
I use the Nutiva brand-gotta love Amazon! I also like to use it in baking-I find a small amount like 2 TBSP is enough, and can use a oil substitute like nonfat greek yogurt for the rest. I like that the fat in coconut oil is MCT fat, which is also more easily converted to use as energy. Now off to check that cookie recipe!
Great idea to add the greek yogurt, too! 🙂 I have never heard of Nutiva, but will be sure to check it out! 🙂 Thanks!
Hi,
I’m glad that people get to know coconut more. I’m a producer of coconut products in Asia. Every parts of coconut can be used. So far, i produce coconut milk, coconut paste, virgin coconut oil and coconut jelly. I wish i could produce cocopeat/coconut fibre and charcoal soon…
visit my blog kokonutblog.wordpress.com