Coconut oil processing
Grace Agros does coconut oil processing, making value-added products. We offer two kinds of unrefined coconut oils- virgin coconut oil (VCO) and pure coconut oil. The processing operations start from procurement of raw material-coconuts. We buy good quality, mature(12 months old) coconuts from local farmers growing coconuts sustainably. Afterwards, we take up the following processes to make the final products.
Preparation of coconuts
After sourcing, we prepare the coconuts for processing. During this phase, there are some common steps followed for the production of both virgin and pure coconut oils. Those are de-husking of mature coconuts, deshelling, paring to remove the brown skin and draining off coconut water.
Afterwards, the preparatory steps vary. In case of virgin coconut oil, fresh coconut meat goes through further processing. Whereas to make pure coconut oil, copra is prepared by drying the fresh coconuts. The copra then undergoes processing.
Processing-Virgin coconut oil
Virgin coconut oil(VCO) is extracted from coconut milk. Milk extractor machines take out coconut milk from shredded pieces of fresh coconut meat. The collected coconut milk is filtered first and then centrifuged using machines. The centrifugation process separates virgin coconut oil from the milk. The extracted VCO then goes through filtering, multiple times. Afterwards, the clear oil is vacuum dehydrated and packed.
Processing-Pure coconut oil
Pure coconut oil is made from the prepared Copra. To make this type of coconut oil, well-dried, clean copra are first shredded into tiny chips. These chips are then heated mildly in steam jacketed kettles. Then they go to expellers, and get pressed continuously. After a while, pure coconut oil starts coming out. Filter presses then filter the oil multiple times. Finally, the clean and clear oil is packaged.
Packaging
After the final filtering during processing, the extracted oils go straight away into the packaging containers. The packed products are stored in cool, dark place inside the warehouse before shipping. Packaging design ensures that the oils remain stable; and retain good quality throughout its journey in the value chain.
