Organic Coconut Oil (RBD) (Certified Fairtrade)

Our organic coconut oil (RBD) is imported in small batches from a fairtrade certified exporter in Sri Lanka. Coconut oil is ideal for high temperature cooking as an alternative to cheap vegetable and canola oil. It's rich in medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA's), which are, in great part, comprised of Caprylic acid, Lauric acid and Capric acid.

Numerous clients also use our organic coconut oil to make hydrating soap.

What is the difference between "RBD" and "Virgin" coconut oil?

• RBD is an acronym, which stands for Refined, Bleached and Deodorized.
• As the organic standard prescribes there is no use of chemical bleach or any other artificial chemical for that matter used during the process.
• "RBD" coconut oil is dry steamed to deodorize while being carefully monitored to stay under 180 degrees Celsius. This neutralizes the majority of the coconut taste and smell making ideal for cooking and frying. This is not does not make the product inferior in any way.
• "Virgin" coconut oil goes through the same extraction process but is not dry steamed. This makes it a more natural and pure form of coconut oil. It has a strong coconut taste and smell to it.

What the difference between coconut oil, coconut butter, coconut cream and coconut milk?

• Coconut oil is a fat made from pressed coconut meat. It contains about 99% fat and not much of anything else.
• Coconut butter (70% fat) is made with just shredded coconut that has been blended into a paste. Just like our other nut butters it only contains one ingredient.
• Coconut cream is made by simmering coconut meat in water, The water then separates into a creamy, thick layer and a thin, more watery layer. The thick layer is packaged as coconut cream (25.4-37.3% fat), and the thinner liquid is labeled as coconut milk (12.7-25.3% fat). It contains much of the nutrients found in coconut meat.

What does Fairtrade certification mean?

• Fairtrade products are far more than just fair prices, they create sustainable impact in three interconnected areas: economic, social, and environmental. These are known as the three pillars of sustainability:
• Economic: Fairtrade sets economic Standards for farmers and workers to benefit from income security and financial independence. These include the Fairtrade Minimum Price for most commodities, which aims to provide producers with a safety net against falling prices, along with the Fairtrade Premium that provides producers with additional money to invest as they choose. Fairtrade also emphasizes long-term partnerships that help yield sustainable and decent livelihoods.
• Environmental: Environmental criteria emphasize ecologically and agriculturally sound practices, including responsible water and waste management, preserving biodiversity and soil fertility, minimal use of pesticides, and the prohibition of the use of GMOs. Organic production is promoted and rewarded by higher Fairtrade Minimum Prices for organically grown products.
• Social: Social criteria for small-scale producers include requirements on democratic self-organization, participatory decision-making, transparency, and non-discrimination. For hired labour, our Standards require non-discriminatory employment practices, fair pay, freedom of association, and safeguards for worker health and safety. Forced labour and child labour are prohibited under the Fairtrade Standards.

Who is "Joint Agri Product Ceylon" (JAPC)?

• JACP is a medium scale Fairtrade exporter in Sri Lanka that acts as a link between the country's small-scale producers and Western markets. For over thirty years, JAPC has built up a solid network of more than 3,500 producer families throughout the country. A supply chain based on respect and fairness that provides the basis for their diversified production of spices and teas, coconut products and fruits.
• These rural communities have never stopped practicing traditional organic farming. It's a way of life for these farmers, who follow integrated methods such as mixed farming, agroforestry, biodynamic agriculture and biological pest control. In this way, sustainable cash crops, tropical fruits, shade trees for timber, pest-repellent crops, medicinal herbs and home gardens can all be grown side by side on the same plot.
• JAPC rightly considers that these thousands of families are the real wealth of their company. They therefore maintain fair relations with these growers, guaranteeing them long-term purchase of their crops at above-market prices.
• The recipient of numerous awards, JAPC is recognized in its country as a model value-added organic exporter, both for the very high quality of its products and for its commitment to communities. JAPC also holds the most demanding certifications in organic, biodynamic and regenerative agriculture, food safety and quality, and fairtrade.