The Alchemist works with isolation, retrieving the desired component from the greater whole. Using the simple tools and the power of hands the healing lipids of the coconut can be liberated. This article explains the coconut oil extraction process as learned through a thrilling battle with 50 coconuts deep in the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Overview: Collection > Milking > Opening > Grating > Drying > Extraction!
Step 1: Coconut Collection
The spherical Woody form we understand as a coconut is the seed of a larger, fiberouse green fruit. These fruits are often suspended 100ft in the air by a tree with a trunk that appears so slender it should break in the wind.
These heavy fruits are able to be held so high due to the same molecules that allow us to poop with ease. The dense polysaccharides lignin and cellulose give the cells of the trunk the strength the support these three pound fruits. These polysaccharides are also the component of plant cells we understand as dietary fiber. Being mostly indigestible, they remain in the intestines throughout digestion, helping to move things along with ease.
While I would like to take credit for climbing these 100ft trees to liberate the heafty fruits, we collected the fallen fruit that litter the sand. Then as a feat of pure will, we carried 50 of these fruits one hour up into the mountains to complete the process where we were living.
Step 2: Milking the Nut
Coconuts have three bowling ball like spots. These are the weak points from which the milk is most easily liberated. Using a pair of strong scissors or a knife point twist into the largest spot to carve a whole. Making a second whole allows the milk to leave more easily.
The liquid within the coconut is the equivalence of amniotic fluid of a developing animal fetus. This is the fluid where the endosperm, or baby coconut, will develop within the fertilized nut. This milk is rich with diverse fats, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Highly suggested to collect and drink this milk to provide energy throughout the highly physical coconut oil extraction process.
Step 3: Opening Coconuts Caveman Style
Open a coconut without tool involves a strong stone and a single fearless movement. Place the stone on the ground to provide a zone of impact. With one or both hands grasp the coconut lightly and drop, using the force of gravity, the coconut onto the rock. CRACK! repeat 50 times and spread coconut chunks out on table, our was made out of a door and bricks, to dry.
Step 4: Liberating the Meat
Coconuts are a very strong fruit making the meat liberation highly physical. Using a knife and working around the edge of the shell the meat can be liberated from the shell, with skill and luck, in one piece.
The most grueling part of the entire process is pulverizing this meat. Without a machine you will need to use a cheese grater on the smallest setting. Expect this process to last from morning until night. The product will be a richly smelling white snow of coconut.
Step 5: An Adventure of Drying
On a beautiful sunny day this step should be the most straight forward. Leave the coconut snow spread on a tarp in the sun to dry. Stir hourly to find a consistent dry. When the coconuts have turned a panella brown (the color of brown sugar) they are ready for extraction.
We were unlucky to find 3 days of sunless rainy weather while trying to dry the coconut snow. This ultimately resulted in a slight fermentation of the coconut and an unpleasant smell and taste of the oil.
Step 6: Oil extraction!
The extraction is a surprising straightforward process of juicing the dries snow. Simply fold the grounds into a light cloth and twist as though you are ringing out extra water from a towel. TAH DUH! Fresh hand extracted coconut oil.
Life in the mountain, without electricity let alone wifi, highly prohibited my involvement with Steemit this past months. I now emerge from the mountain with mind buzzing of new article idea. The above picture is of the natural medicine collection I've been experimenting with in the mountain. Can't wait to read what all the great steemstem minds have been working on!