How to Make Your Own Coconut Oil in 8 Easy Steps

Imagery and fables like “Ansani” have travelled seas, languages and cultures and to this day, remains a nostalgic memory. Recipes, just like these imageries and fables, must continue to remind, teach and mystify as we bridge our stories with the next generations’. They are a glimpse into the beautiful and nuanced souls of black folk. These recipes and stories permeate into the future and become the knowledge that we will all evolve from.

The ways of making coconut oil were taught to my mother by my grandmother and were then taught to me by her. As we shared laughter over our busy hands, my mom told me about how my grandmother used to sit on the back step and crack up to 100 coconuts to make oil. It was storytelling in motion. Within this recipe that I am sharing below with you resides generations bonded over a traditional, painstaking, but ultimately satisfying labour of love.

Homemade Coconut Oil in 8 Easy Steps

I have added to a few of the steps a shortcut, often an easier, quicker, and sometimes safer way to the more traditional method. Also, be aware that not all coconuts are created the same! Some naturally yield more oil than others. My mom and I usually use three coconuts, and it yielded roughly a ⅓ cup of coconut oil.