FAQ : Does cold-pressed virgin coconut oil deteriorate when heated?
After questioning the manufacturer and doing some research of my own, I am glad to report that coconut oil is very stable and keeps it’s integrity when heated. It’s medium chain fatty acids are resistant to being changed by heat. However, if overheated to the point of smoking (which would have to be pretty hot) you may assume it has begun to deteriorate.
Other heating FYI:
A favorite Coconut Oil quality of mine is it’s high heat resistence. I found this out with relief while cooking with it. Distracted from my cooking one evening, I left a pan heating on the stove with coconut oil in the bottom. I returned expecting the oil to be smoking and burned to a film on my pan. (You know how hard it is to get that burned on oil film off a stainless steel pan?) I was so relieved to find it only slightly smoking and not in the least burning.
On the other had, coconut oil melts at a really low temperature, around 70 F. You will find it fairly easy to liquify when needed. Coconut oil liquifies at low temperatures, and has a high flash point (the temperature at which it burns.) This makes it an ideal cooking oil in a most recipes, whether a liquid or more firm (butter like) consistency is required.
To soften a bucket of coconut oil it is usually sufficient to leave it at room temperature for several hours.
To liquify, I usually put mine in the microwave for about 15 seconds, but it can also be quickly melted just sitting in a container of hot water.
