Crude Coconut Oil (CCO) is an unrefined oil extracted from dried coconut meat (copra) using cold or hot pressing methods. It has a light yellow to dark brown color depending on the production process, a natural coconut aroma, and contains impurities such as free fatty acids, waxes, and sediments. The main components of CCO include saturated fatty acids (especially lauric acid), vitamin E, and natural antioxidants. Since it has not undergone refining, crude coconut oil retains most of its nutrients but also has a higher moisture and impurity content compared to refined coconut oil.
The applications of crude coconut oil are diverse across multiple industries. In the food industry, it serves as a raw material for producing refined, bleached, and deodorized (RBD) coconut oil, margarine, shortening, and processed foods. In the cosmetics industry, CCO is used in the production of soap, skin creams, shampoos, and hair care products due to its natural moisturizing and antibacterial properties. Additionally, in the pharmaceutical sector, crude coconut oil acts as an excipient in topical medications. In the industrial sector, it is a key ingredient in producing biodiesel and bio-based lubricants. With its abundant supply and wide range of applications, crude coconut oil is a valuable agricultural export product with high economic potential.
