Review: Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil

I first learned about coconut oil a few years ago when a friend posted about it on Facebook. I love coconut so I was instantly intrigued. After reading about the many uses and benefits, I decided to give it a try. I ordered a jar online and quickly signed up for regular delivery of this versatile and tasty oil.

Some of the ways I have used coconut oil:

• When Cooking
• In baked goods
• As an all over moisturizer
• When I couldn’t find lip balm
• To deep condition my hair
• I tried the “oil pulling” but only once
• By the spoonful – I crave it!!

I was thrilled when I received an email from Tropical Traditions telling me that they were sending me a FREE jar of their Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil!! This is a brand I have seen online but have never tried myself. As if that wasn’t enough, they offered to sponsor a giveaway so one of you lucky readers can get a free jar as well. Stay tuned for details on that. =)

In just a few days after receiving the email I was excited to get my package. The packaging was impressive, you can see the glass jar is very well protected.

I took it out and let it sit on the counter for awhile so it would warm up and soften a bit before I tested it out. Oh who am I kidding…I tried to dig in right way but it was pretty cold from shipping. I like my coconut oil smooth, so it’s best for scooping when it’s a room temperature; coconut oil solidifies at 76 degrees Fahrenheit.

Before I put the lid back on I inhaled, breathing in the tropical scent. I was somewhat surprised at the mild smell, I was expecting a deep, rich scent and that’s not what I got. It was very distinct, but faint, which might be good for those of you who aren’t super fond of strong scents.

When it was soft enough to easily scoop I took a little taste to try it in raw form. I love the feeling of it melting in my mouth…mmmmm! Again, I was expecting a very robust flavor but like the scent, it was more mild than I am used to. I immediately grabbed some chocolate chips and almonds for my favorite treat: Almond Joy by the Spoonful!

This is heaven on a spoon. Seriously. I eat this almost daily. And I can’t stop at just one. You must try this, you must! When I first started eating this it was partly an excuse to eat chocolate chips. Now, it’s an excuse to eat the coconut oil. Oftentimes I’ll just eat a spoonful of the oil by itself. Yum! My husband thinks this is absolutely disgusting…oil by the spoonful?? Gross! Well, it’s not like I’m eating Crisco by the spoonful (that would be disgusting) but this is from a coconut. Nothing gross there! (Although…who hasn’t eaten homemade frosting by the spoonful? That’s full of Crisco, lard, butter, etc. Now who’s gross?!)

When I finished stuffing my face with my treats I scooped out a bit and rubbed it all over my hands and arms like a moisturizer. It absorbs quickly and seems to do the job just fine. The scent was stronger, having just applied it all over my skin, but still mild…I’m not even sure how to describe it…maybe like raw coconut??? Just not the strong scent I’m traditionally used to.

Next up was to try it while cooking. I chopped up a couple different types of mushrooms, sliced a bit of zucchini and squash, then tossed it all into a hot wok with a tablespoon of the coconut oil. I added a pinch of salt and a couple shakes of sweet basil.

It was quite good. I could probably eat veggies sautéed in coconut oil on a daily basis. It’s quick, easy and tastes great.

So, what’s the verdict on this Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil you ask? It’s good. I will definitely make good use out of the 32 oz that was so graciously provided. That said, my heart is still with my favorite brand just for the fact that I LOVE a bold, coconut scent and taste. I don’t think I could tell much difference with the sautéed veggies, but I could definitely tell a difference when eating it by the spoonful and using it as a moisturizer, it just wasn’t what I expected or hoped for.

However, this means it might be a good choice for those of you who don’t care so much for a strong taste and smell of coconut. Even though this particular brand is not my first choice, I would still recommend it to others.

What about you…do you have a favorite brand or way you use coconut oil?

I’ll leave you with one of my favorite ways to use coconut oil: