I was recently sent two jars of Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil to try. It seems that everywhere you look the experts are extolling the virtues of adding coconut oil to your diet (you can read about the research here), so it was definately something I wanted to try.
The coconut oil is unlike any oil I’ve ever tried as it’s almost solid. The coconut oil is soft and easy to use, and with a little bit of heat it will become liquid. It does taste like coconut but the coconut flavor wasn’t as strong as I expected it to be.
I introduced my family to coconut oil through a familiar favorite, hummus. My normally good hummus was fantastic when made with coconut oil (get the recipe here).
I next used coconut oil in homemade waffles, in place of regular oil. I warmed the oil up for a few seconds first so the consistency matched that of the oil I normally use. The verdict: wonderful!
I heard that coconut oil was good for making popcorn so we tried that next. We didn’t care for the coconut mingling with popcorn flavor very much, but I think I used too much oil and chalked it up to user error.
I’m a big proponent of cooking from scratch and it’s provided me with ample opportunities to incorporate coconut oil into our diets. Sweet potato fries are sweeter when cooked in coconut oil. Imagine how wonderful homemade ice cream syrup made with chocolate and coconut oil is! You can find loads more recipes at Free Coconut Recipes.
Not only has Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil caused taste explosions, I’ve noticed that my hair and fingernails are a little strong. Related? I can’t say for sure, but I’ll take it!
Now? Who wants to WIN a quart of Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil??**
Tropical Traditions is giving away a quart of this awesome coconut oil to one lucky reader!
To enter this contest you must do two things:
1. Sign-up for the Tropical Traditions newsletter here
2. Leave a comment ON THIS POST (not on Facebook) telling me the first thing you’d cook if you were the winner, and please verify in the comment that you signed up for the newsletter
The contest closes May 9, 2012 at midnight EST. The winner will be drawn on the morning of May 10, 2012. The winner will be randomly selected (meaning pointed to) by my 5 year old son while he’s hopped up on sugary breakfast cereal (don’t worry, he can’t read yet!)
**Contest open only to residents of the US & Canada
Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.
Win 1 quart of Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil!
I would definitely try it in my brownies. Yummy! Signed up for the newsletter.
I really want to try the popcorn! I'm not a big fan of eating coconut, but I've heard the popcorn tastes like butter. Now i'm ever more curious since you guys didn't really like it. Hmmm….Otherwise, my skin is CRYING out for some, my empty jar fell in the toilet this morning. HMPH. I've used it for a couple of years as my lotion. I love how it sinks into my skin instead of sitting on top like most lotions.
I would use it in….everything! We pretty much don't use any other oils anymore except coconut. Just like Tracey, we use it on our skin, too. It's also supposed to be good to help protect against sunburn in place of traditional sunscreen.
I signed up for the newsletter. I would cook brownies as well–Mmmm…BUT I would also start taking it daily, simply because I know that coconut oil is effective in combating candida. =)
Signed up:) Would definitely use in cookies. I also use it for eczema and psoriasis, applied directly to the skin. It absorbs into the skin, and doesn't leave a greasy residue:)
Signed up :) I would make some french fries :)
Signed up for the newsletter.
I would make popcorn.Signed up.
I signed up for the newsletter. I would make sweet potato fries!!Jacqui Bell-Caruso
I signed up for the newsletter. I think I would use it first in pancakes or cookies. A friend uses coconut oil instead of margarine for rice krispie treats and they are fabulous!
Signed up. I think I would cook pancakes or cookies first.
I signed up only after reading the posts because I had no idea what I would use it for! Since I have dermatitis/eczema/psoriasis (depending on which Dr you talk to) I would definitely try it out as a lotion but look forward to trying it out in any homemade sweet treat.
I am signed up to TT's newsletter and the first thing I would cook is fried chicken strips and roasted veggies.
I signed up for the newsletter.
THIS IS BRENDA'S ENTRY…she signed up and would cook something yummy :)
I do follow their newsletter. I love to bake so something chocolately, definitely!!! :O)estrella8888 at roadrunner dot com
signed up for TT's newsletter. I would use coconut oil to cook stovetop popcorn first.
I receive the newsletter. I would make Kale chips. kristen_yeh at yahoo dot com
I signed up for the newsletter. I think I would make a german chocolate cake using it for the oil. Gosh that sounds good!
I get the Tropical Traditions newsletterbethelderton59 at gmail dot com
I think I'd try a no-bake cookie recipe I saw.bethelderton59 at gmail dot com
I subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter. I would use it to make a stir fry dinner. jjak2003 at gmail dot com
I subscribed to the Tropical Traditions newsletter and would like to use this for brownies.slrdowney at hotmail dot com