Coconut oil

Huile de coco

What it is

Almost uniquely among plant fats it is solid at room temperature, because it is overwhelmingly saturated — which is also why it keeps for years without turning. Kerala and Sri Lanka have cooked in nothing else for centuries.

In the kitchen

Virgin coconut oil tastes strongly of coconut; the refined version tastes of nothing. Choose deliberately, they are not interchangeable.

Goes with

Chili pepper Lime Ginger Turmeric Cilantro / Coriander Coconut milk Curry leaf Garlic

Same species

Coconut Desiccated coconut Coconut milk Coconut vinegar Gula melaka

Also used with

Plantain

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