GONE NATIVE

One of the many reasons we decided to move to and live in Ecuador was to be able to enjoy the huge variety of fresh fruits and vegetables  available. As we explored the markets and learned about the medicinal benefits of many herbs as well, we discovered Coconuts . Many people we talked to were extolling the benefits of this seeming wonder fruit. Drink the juice, eat the meat, AND cook only with the oil.

I have never been fond of coconut in any form, but after learning more about the benefits and learning that it might help with Shary,s health, we decided to try to use the oil. Coconuts are readily available in the markets, however the oil is not. A small amount when it can be found is very expensive. We did purchase some and started to use it. I was totally won over after frying some eggs with this oil. It was sooooo delicious. We started using it for cooking almost everything, including just melting a little on toast. BUT with the expense, we had to cut back somewhat. 

Then , while talking to friends of ours from Jamaica , she said making the oil was not hard and she would show me how. So she did. 

THIS IS WHAT I LEARNED!!!

Start with the brown or already husked coconut

Then drain the milk by poking one of the three eyes. There is always one that is very easy to open Then drain the juice. 

Then gently, using a hammer, bang on the shell until it cracks. You really do not have to hit it very hard

 After just a few hits, the shell cracks

....and bingo its open

Now, almost the hardest part , is separating the meat from the shell

There is probably a better tool, but what I have is a box cutter to score the meat---

...and a screwdriver to separate it from the shell.  

---They work---a bowl full of coconut meat

Now, using a blender, fill with some of the meat and add hot water

Blend it up

Strain

Then use a coffee filter to ---

---wring the most juice out of the meal

Last step is to boil the milk down

Takes about 2 hours

and then it is done. The water has boiled off, the oil has risen to the top and there is a sweet residue remaining

Pour the oil into a jar and I have a weeks worth of wonderful, marvelous coconut oil.

Cost: Each coconut cost $1.25 x 4 = $5.00 and about three hours of my time. 

We also have several big jars of coconut milk, which would cost  $5 which we use in our healthy smoothies. 

The above jar ,if full, would cost $30. My cost $15.

Sharyl is experimenting with the dry left over flour for baking,

So  with the oil and the juice, and the dry coconut flour, we are ahead, AND so much more fun and a great accomplishment. 

Who said you cant teach an old dog new tricks!!!!!