These days, we all know about the amazing superpowers of coconut. But do you know the difference between coconut butter and coconut oil? While they are both derived from the same fruit, coconut butter and oil are quite different from each other. It comes down to the way each one is made, as well as the intended use.
However, that's not to say coconut butter and oil are polar opposites. There are definitely a couple similarities. For example, both products are amazing for a healthy beauty routine. They add a hefty dose of good-for-you fats to your system, helping you be the best that you can be. It's one of those powerful health foods that we can't just get enough of — both inside and out.
Again, it comes down to the recommended use. Coconut butter fairs better in hard moisturizing bars, while coconut oil is excellent as a shaving cream or light lotion. More on that later!
Fortunately, this superfood can be used in so many fun coconut recipes. It's extremely versatile and can add some major nutritional value to your meals, snacks, and beverages. It simply comes down to knowing the ins and outs of coconut butter and oil.
1. The butter is all coconut meat
Coconut butter is made of the entire coconut flesh. It's simply pulverized and and pureed to create a tough, creamy product. It includes both fats and fibers that are naturally found in coconuts. Coconut butter is roughly 60 percent fat.
2. The oil is extracted fat from the meat
Unlike coconut butter, coconut oil is just the fat. It's extracted from the coconut meat using either a wet mill or cold process method. The way coconut oil is extracted will depend on the manufacturer (or if you do it yourself).
3. Coconut butter is harder
Because coconut butter involves every last bit of the coconut meat, there's more components involved. The butter version is much tougher than coconut oil.
4. Coconut oil is creamier
While coconut butter does have a creamy consistency, coconut oil is more "slippery." It will melt in your hands much faster than coconut butter.
5. Coconut butter sets faster than oil
While both versions set at room temperature, coconut butter sets faster than the oil version. Again, this is because coconut butter contains more than just the fat.
6. Coconut butter has more nutrients than coconut oil
Because coconut butter contains all of the flesh, it also has fiber, proteins, and a medley of vitamins and minerals. Of course, it also has healthy fatty acids.
7. Coconut oil is full of healthy fats
Just because coconut butter has more going on doesn't mean that the oil is inferior. Because it's full of healthy fats like omega-3, you'll still be doing your body a favor.
8. Coconut oil is better for frying
Coconut oil is super stable and can withstand high temperatures. This makes it ideal for frying food, especially if you want a break from the olive, canola, and vegetable oils.
As for coconut butter? It's not recommended to use this version for frying, as it can burn very easily.
9. Coconut butter is great for hard chocolate candy
If you're making chocolate bars or bark, coconut butter is the way to go. It'll be able to hold its shape as it is more resistant to melting. Besides, no one likes a melted chocolate bar.
10. Coconut butter is also excellent for soap
Coconut butter is an amazing base for so many DIY soaps and lotion bars. Again, its resistance to melting makes it an awesome candidate for your homemade beauty concoctions.
For more fun food ideas, check out Bustle on YouTube.
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