Try a new ingredient: Toss in some coconut oil

By: Flava: Cayman's Culinary Culture | Editorial Team
Flava Issue 2

In the Cayman Islands we’re blessed with afood source that provides us with meat, milk,water and oil.
It’s high in nutrition, rich in fibre, vitaminsand minerals and is classified as a functional food because it provides many health benefits.In fact there’s a use for every part of thecoconut tree, but for now we’ll concentrate onthe nut and, more specifically, the oil.
For years coconut oil has been given a badrap, especially from the western hemispherewhere saturated fat is a no-no.
But for centuriespeople living in tropical regions havebeen harvesting coconuts and using the oil incookery and medicines.
The health benefits of coconut oil are saidto include hair care, skin care, stress relief,maintaining cholesterol levels, weight loss,increased immunity, proper digestion and metabolism,relief from kidney problems, heartdiseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, HIVand cancer, dental care, and bone strength.
Scientists and vegans have helped modernman rediscover the secret we’ve known in theCaribbean all along: Coconut oil is a sweetvegetable fat that becomes solid at roomtemperature and can help make awesomeflaky pie crusts and fluffy cupcakes.
You can buy virgin coconut oil in the oilsection of most supermarkets in the Cayman Islands, from area farmers, at Market at theGrounds or learn to make it yourself.
All you need is coconuts, time and patience.

To get you started, here are a few things you can do with your coconut oil:

• Whenever you fry, stir-fry or sauté veggies, eggs, poultry, fish or whatever, use coconut oil for a health-conscious light flavour
• Toss some coconut oil into your smoothies or juiced drinks for a burst of lauric acid
• Make your own mayonnaise with coconut oil
• Use it on your salads for a tropical flair
• Try it on popcorn instead of butter