Is there anything coconut oil can't do?! We cook with it, bake with it, and even use it as a skin and hair moisturizer. In the kitchen, it turns out coconut oil is an excellent medium for seasoning cast iron pans and wooden cutting boards, too.
We started using coconut oil to care for wood cutting boards after looking for an alternative to petroleum-based mineral oil. Unlike many plant-based oils, coconut oil has a stable shelf life and is not prone to rancidity. Plus it's nut-free for those who can't use the often-recommended walnut, almond, tung, or flaxseed oils. Rubbing coconut oil onto our wooden cutting boards has kept them nicely protected and we haven't had any problems with unwanted coconut flavor.
After discovering the benefits of coconut oil on wood, we turned to our cast iron cookware. Properly cleaning and seasoning cast iron involves applying oil (such as vegetable oil, animal fat, or shortening) to the pan, which protects it from moisture and reinforces the non-stick coating. We've been really impressed with coconut oil as a vegetarian-friendly, non-sticky, and high-temperature-stable seasoning oil.
Do you use coconut oil in the kitchen or around the house?
Related: Non-Edible Uses For Coconut Oil
(Image: Emily Ho)
Elizabeth Apron fro...

Please be aware that there are people out there (like me) that are highly (fatally) allergic to all things related to coconut. So, make sure you check with those you are serving food to about their allergies - the rise of coconut has led to me not eating anyone's foods but mine here lately...
You are so right! I love using coconut oil on my cutting boards as well!
Works well on our twin boys bottoms' for diaper rash!
whre is that towel from? i can't find them anywhere!
i have it mixed with unrefined shea butter & almond oil for a winter moisturizer, and also use this lotion as a deodorant. it works really well and moisturizes, too :)
I use it as an all-over moisturizer. I even apply a little on my face every night, and it really smooths and hydrates my skin. I have oily skin that is prone to breaking out, but has gotten much better with coconut oil! I also love using it on my cuticles; they soak it right up.
Using REFINED coconut oil is the best butter substitute I have found in baking! Works just like shortening! Not only does it have crazy good health benefits but the Refined oils have zero coconut flavor! LOVE IT
@cccb12 Try these: http://www.amazon.com/Medline-Dozen-Cotton-Herringbone-Towels/dp/B00169M9A8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361565297&sr=8-1&keywords=Herringbone+towel
@SF_chickadee
perfect thank you!! :)
My husband has unruly hair and has been using it as a pomade and it actually works better than many "normal" brands. Smells good, too.
I've been working on adding it to our routines. First in the kitchen, and a bit in the rest of the household. I'm just not there with being comfortable reaching for it instead of EVOO at times though. But I have picked up a jar or two and keep them on the counter where I am always thinking how I can use them.
As for seasoning my cast iron? I want to re-season with flaxseed as the research shows its a better season. I may use it to keep the season, but I'm not sure. The husband is picky about how I treat the cast iron in the house.
I LOVE COCONUT OIL!
I use it in the kitchen for lots of reasons and it works wonderfully in the bedroom too. ;)
Ikea has similar looking(better looking) towels at dirty cheap prices.
I have the ikea ones with the dark blue markings and they work beautifully. And I am hell on kitchen towels, I go through probably 10-15 a week. I bought a pack to see how well they'd absorb (I hate it when towels just smear water around for their first few months of life) and fell in love. Bought 3 more packs at my next trip to Ikea.
Hey all, on my last shopping trip at Costco, I noticed they now sell a small bucket of Coconut Oil.
Use it to help your puppy with demodectic mange AKA "puppy mange" without giving them dangerous oral pesticides like ivermectin. The oil smothers the mites, moisturies their dry irritated skin to prevent secondary infections, and the antifungal properties removes the mite's food source, yeast.
People who have food allergies should always tell this to the hostess, in advance! No one wants to kill their guest. But having someone sitting at my table, telling me they can't eat shrimp, is not fun! Is it too much to mention that when you accept the reservation? Must I really mother my guests and enquire about their food allergies/intolerances/dislikes? You have a problem, you mention it. I am happy to cater to anyone's needs. When I have time to plan for it.
I'm getting coconut oil. It sounds great.
Nice. I've been using coconut oil for facial moisturizer and for my Lodge skillet for several months (yes, different jars ;-) ) and have loved the results. Had not even thought about using it on cutting boards. If it works on cutting boards it should work on butcher block counter (Ikea) as well? Has anyone tried it?
It's one of the only conditioning agents that actually penetrate the hair shaft. It is a superior conditioner.