Coconut Oil Processing Machine Manufacturers

Coconut oil processing — methods and equipment

Coconut oil is produced by two distinct routes: dry processing (from copra) and wet processing (from fresh coconut). Dry processing: fresh coconut flesh is dried to produce copra (dried coconut meat, typically 5–8% moisture) before oil extraction by screw press. Copra contains approximately 60–65% oil. Crude copra oil (CCO) is of variable quality and colour (copra drying conditions greatly affect quality) and requires full RBD refining before use as food-grade RBD coconut oil. Wet processing (virgin coconut oil or VCO): fresh coconut milk, extracted by shredding and pressing fresh coconut meat, is processed without heat to separate the oil from the aqueous fraction. VCO production methods include: chilling (refrigerating the coconut milk until the oil separates from the aqueous phase); enzymatic treatment (adding protease or amylase to break down the protein-oil emulsion); centrifugal separation; and fermentation methods. VCO is not refined — it retains the natural coconut flavour and aroma. RBD coconut oil (from copra) is odourless and flavourless, with a high lauric acid content and is the standard for industrial food uses (confectionery, biscuit fats, snack coatings).