Some people keep coconut oil in the kitchen for baking, others use it for their hair, and apparently, dentists even recommend it as a teeth whitener. If you’re the type of person who likes to have coconut oil on hand, you know that the stuff can go quick. And let’s be honest, unfortunately it’s hardly ever on sale, least of all the high quality kind. But did you know that you can actually make your own 100 per cent virgin coconut oil at home? You don’t need any fancy equipment or oil press, just water and coconuts (or a can of coconut milk if you’re in a pinch).
With only two ingredients, coconut oil is surprisingly simple to make. It’s way more cost effective than buying jar after jar, and you just might find it to be pretty rewarding of a process too! For all the steps on how to turn coconuts into coconut oil, keep reading.
POPSUGAR Photography / Kalea Martin
Prepare the Coconuts
Start by cutting each of your coconuts in half and draining the water inside. You can use as many as you want, but three is a good place to start.
POPSUGAR Photography / Kalea Martin
Pulverize the Coconut Meat
Scrape the coconut meat out of the shells and add it into a food processor. It’s ok if there’s still some of the brown inner skin because it’ll get strained out later. If you don’t have a food processor, the ice crush option on a blender works just as well for this.
POPSUGAR Photography / Kalea Martin
Blend the Coconut With Water
Transfer the coconut chunks into a blender and add water. For 3 coconuts, you’ll need 3 cups of water. Blend on the highest setting until the mixture is creamy.
POPSUGAR Photography / Kalea Martin
Begin Cooking the Mixture
Strain the coconut milk, then pour it into a large pot. Adjust the heat to the stove’s lowest setting. If you’re using a can of coconut milk, this will be your first step.
POPSUGAR Photography / Kalea Martin
Simmer the Coconut Mixture
Set a timer for 1-2 hours, and let the stove work its magic. As the coconut milk cooks, you’ll be able to see the color change and the milk separate from the oil, but don’t stir it or adjust the heat.
POPSUGAR Photography / Kalea Martin
Continue Reducing the Coconut Mixture
After 1-2 hours the coconut oil should be completely reduced, leaving behind a foamy oil. If it still looks cloudy, or the consistency is still watery, let it cook down a bit longer.
POPSUGAR Photography / Kalea Martin
Transfer and Store Coconut Oil
Once your coconut oil has been extracted, remove it from the stove and transfer it into a glass jar while it’s still hot.
POPSUGAR Photography / Kalea Martin
Use at Your Pleasure
Once the coconut oil cools to room temperature, it’ll solidify into the product you know and love.
