Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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Dr. Bronner's has two coconut oils available, which I recently spotted at a local Whole Foods. One is "white kernel" while the other is "whole kernel", but it's not clear what the differences are beyond this. Is one better for cooking? How about for topical application (skin/hair)? Is there a specific reason I'd want one over the other?

flag	asked Jul 19 2011 at 16:36 WyldKard 2,302●1●10●27

Yeah, bronnor's site at that link doesn't offer any real information. Fail. It seems like he whole kernel is a bit more of a whole product – ben61820 Jul 19 2011 at 17:10

Adrienne · Accepted Answer · 2011-08-12 20:34:57Z UTC

Here's the scoop everyone. I emailed Bruce Fife and this was his response:

" The difference between the “white kernel” and “Whole kernel” is that the whole kernel would include the brown membrane that separates the kernel from the shell. This membrane has a higher content of unsaturated fatty acids. That is basically the only significant difference. Even then, the differences between the two would not amount to much.

Best, Bruce"

In other words, pretty negligible difference at most.....

Hope that helps!

Adrienne

FifthApe · Answer 2 · 2011-07-19 16:48:14Z UTC

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Whole kernel is marginally more nutritious and has a slightly nuttier flavor. They're both unrefined so they have the same smoke point. Honestly, there's not too much of a difference between them. (from a cooking perspective)

answered Jul 19 2011 at 16:48

FifthApe
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flashflood · Answer 3 · 2011-07-23 22:01:55Z UTC

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Good question. I opted for whole kernel recently based on the theory that "whole" would be somehow more nutritious. Not much flavor difference that I could notice.

answered Jul 23 2011 at 22:01

flashflood
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delete me · Answer 4 · 2011-08-12 21:11:40Z UTC

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i took the whole kernel too, and i'll be a monkey's uncle if ole doc bronner doesn't make the best coconut oil out there! i think it tastes better than any other brand i've tried. don't eat his soap though :0

answered Aug 12 2011 at 21:11

delete me

Wayne · Answer 5 · 2012-03-09 04:44:49Z UTC

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Look up "paring oil." It is an oil pressed out of the coconut attached to the "testa" after the white meat is dessicated for dried coconut production. In other words, a left over product that is being cleverly marketed.

answered Mar 9 2012 at 4:44

Wayne
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RCampbell · Answer 6 · 2012-07-12 23:40:51Z UTC

Calling coconut oil a "left over" product is a bit harsh, no? Using every part of the product, regardless what product, seems efficient from a business stand point, ecologically sound and while providing a product that has real value and benefits. One can legitimately wonder which is the by-product, the oil or dried coconut.

White kernel vs whole kernel coconut oil.

6 Answers