The Hidden Journey: What is Copra and How "Normal" Coconut Oil is Made

In our previous posts, we've explored the purity and superior quality of Virgin Coconut Oil. But there's a traditional, widely used method of producing coconut oil that follows a very different path: one that begins with copra. Understanding this process is crucial for making informed choices about the coconut oil you bring into your home.

At Gravity, we believe that knowing your product, from its origins to its processing, empowers you to choose wellness. Join us as we demystify copra and uncover how much of the world's "normal" coconut oil comes to be.

From Coconut Tree to Copra: The Initial Steps

The journey of traditional coconut oil begins much like any other coconut product:

1. Dehusking: After coconuts are harvested from the trees, the first step is to remove the fibrous outer husk that surrounds the hard nut. This process is called dehusking, typically done manually or with specialized tools.
2. Deshelling: Once the husk is off, you're left with the familiar brown, hard-shelled coconut. This hard shell is then cracked open, and the white coconut flesh (the kernel) is carefully separated from it. Finally, we have the pure coconut flesh in hand.
3. Stripping and Chopping: The coconut flesh is then stripped (often from any remaining bits of shell) and chopped into smaller, manageable pieces, preparing it for the next critical stage.

Process of Dehusking Coconuts and Sun Drying to Make Copra

The Sun-Drying Stage: Creating Copra

This is where the path to "normal" coconut oil diverges significantly from that of Virgin Coconut Oil.

• Extended Sun Drying: The stripped and chopped coconut flesh pieces are then spread out, typically on polythene sheets directly on the ground, and left to sun dry for an extended period – often around eight days, or even longer. The goal is to reduce the moisture content drastically, transforming the fresh flesh into the dried product known as copra.
• Environmental Exposure: During this lengthy sun-drying process, the coconut flesh is exposed to the elements. If there's rain, the drying copra can get wet, then dried again randomly. This repeated wetting and drying, coupled with direct exposure, creates an environment highly susceptible to contamination.
• Quality Downfall Risks: Sun drying, especially when done on the ground or without controlled conditions, poses significant risks to the quality and safety of the copra:
  • Fungi Contamination: The alternating wet and dry conditions are ideal for the growth of mold and fungi.
  • Dirt and Dust: Direct exposure to the ground and open air means the copra can easily become contaminated with dirt, dust, insects, and other environmental impurities, leading to a downfall in overall quality.

From Copra to Oil: The Aflatoxin Risk

Once the copra is adequately dried, it's ready for oil extraction.

• Yield: To give you an idea of the scale, you typically need the flesh of about 5 fresh coconuts to produce 1 kilogram of copra. From this copra, roughly 1.6 kilograms to 2.0 kilograms of copra are then needed to produce 1 liter of coconut oil.
• Extraction Process: The dried copra is then fed into expeller presses that extract the oil, often using high heat to maximize yield. The resulting oil is usually crude, with a strong aroma and off-colors, necessitating further refining, bleaching, and deodorizing (RBD) to make it commercially appealing.
• The Aflatoxin Concern: The most significant health concern associated with copra-based oil arises if the copra developed fungi during the drying process. These specific fungi can produce highly toxic compounds called Aflatoxins. When copra contaminated with Aflatoxins is used to press oil, these harmful toxins can be present in the final coconut oil product, posing serious health risks to consumers.

This entire sequence – from extensive sun-drying to potentially contaminated raw material and subsequent high-heat refining – is the traditional process for making "normal" or conventional coconut oil found widely in the market.

Making Normal White Coconut Oil from Copra

Choose Wisely for Your Well-being

Understanding the journey of your coconut oil, from tree to bottle, is empowering. While copra-based oil has been a long-standing tradition, its production method carries inherent risks and often results in a less pure, less nutrient-dense product compared to Virgin Coconut Oil.

At Gravity, we are dedicated to providing you with only the purest and safest options. Our commitment to quality ensures you get the best nature has to offer.