PROCESSING OF PURE VIRGIN COCONUT OIL

Description.Coconut oil has been used for centuries as a vital source of food for health and general well being in traditional communities of tropical regions. Recent research verifies traditional beliefs that the coconut palm is "The Tree of Life" and that, just like any other pure, whole food, coconuts and virgin coconut oil have a significant role to play in a well balanced, nutritious diet.

It is said that approximately 50% of the fatty acids in coconut fat are lauric acid. Lauric acid is a medium chain fatty acid, which has the additional beneficial function of being formed into monolaurin in the human or animal body. Monolaurin is the antiviral, antibacterial, and antiprotozoal monoglyceride used by the human or animal to destroy lipid coated viruses such as HIV, herpes, cytomegalovirus, influenza, various pathogenic bacteria including listeria monocytogenes and helicobacter pylori, and protozoa such as giardia lamblia. Some studies have also shown some antimicrobial effects of the free lauric acid.

As a "functional food," coconut oil is now being recognized by the medical community as a powerful tool against immune diseases. Several studies have been undertaken on its effectiveness, and much research is currently underway on the incredible nutritional value of coconut oil.

This three-day course will focus on how to process virgin coconut oil.

Objectives. At the end of the course, the participants will be able to:
  * know the interesting facts about Pure Virgin Coconut Oil;
  * know what does pure virgin coconut oil contain, the benefits of
    using Pure Virgin Coconut Oil, and be able to know the right quality
    of Pure Virgin Coconut Oil;
  * know how to process the Pure Virgin Coconut Oil, and;
  * do product costing.

Methodology. This three-day seminar will make use of lecture-discussion, demonstration and hands-on exercises.

Who should attend. This course is intended for coconut farmer cooperatives, coconut plantation owners, and those who are planning for a business venture.

Course Outline
Day 1
• Overview
     - Interesting Facts about Pure Virgin Coconut Oil
• Methods of Processing Pure Virgin Coconut Oil
• Demonstration on the Phase I of Pure Virgin Coconut Oil Processing

Day 2
• Continuation on the Phase II of Pure Virgin Coconut Oil Processing
• Preparation of the Materials Needed for Phase III

Day 3
• Continuation on the Phase III of Pure Virgin Coconut Oil Processing
• Product Costing
• Identification of By-products Utilization from Pure Virgin Coconut Oil Processing

Duration: 24 hours