Review: My first impression- Virgin Coconut Oil

On Monday, the much-anticipated sample arrived from Tropical Traditions. For those of you that haven't heard the story, let me fill you in. In mid-March I applied to review a sample of Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil, and a few days later I was approved (or rather my blog was evaluated and approved). I eagerly cyber-stalked that box across the United States (via the shipping information thoughtfully provided by Tropical Traditions). 

I have used coconut oil before, from another company. I was happy enough to use it to pop popcorn or occasionally fry an egg.  The oil was organic, and coconut oil, but as it was refined and not virgin, the similarities end there. I wont mention the brand; I am simply giving you my frame of reference (perhaps not unlike your own).

I opened the Tropical Traditions jar, first taking note of the fact that this has a definite coconut smell (the other brand has no identifiable coconut smell). I next took a spoon and tasted a small sample, and while it is not sweet, it left the taste of coconut on my tongue (this taste was also lacking from my previous experience). I then rubbed a dab of the oil on my hand (I don't like to waste anything, so any time I measure organic olive oil or coconut oil I rub any stray drops into my hands and face), and it felt very rich. All in all, Tropical Traditions has made a favorable first impression.

I want to get to know this oil more. To that end, I will be trying a few recipes and listing the links to them on this page, along with comments about my experience with the oil. I will follow up with a separate post detailing my conclusions after I have had a chance to experiment.

If you want to be part of the fun, here is how you can get involved:

• If you would like to order Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil, you can use this link: http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/ During checkout you will be asked "How did you hear of us?" If you choose "Referred by a Friend" and enter my ID # 7488739, you will receive a complimentary copy of Tropical Tradition's book ("Virgin Coconut Oil" with personal stories of people using Virgin Coconut Oil and over 85 recipes) and I will earn coupons for free products.

• If you have questions or have had experiences with coconut oil in general or Tropical Traditions specifically, and would like to be part of the discussion, comment below. If I can't answer your question, I will do my best to find an answer for you.

Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose.  Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product.

• Additional note: Tuesday, May 10, 2011:

I haven't forgotten about experimenting with the Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil. I have added a Baked Oatmeal recipe using the coconut oil to reduce the amount of butter. I will also have a granola recipe to post soon.
I have also been using the Tropical Traditions sample coconut oil to make popcorn, and the results are awesome.
This oil takes some getting used to, it melts at approximately 75° (25°C) and below that temperature it is solid, so it behaves a bit differently than other oils that I have used. I added the oil to one cookie recipe, and as I was creaming the coconut oil with butter and sugar, some of the coconut oil solidified on the edge of the beater and the bowl. I'm still getting to know the oil, and I will probably try a few recipes from their website (I usually prefer to write my own version of a recipe).