Refined or Unrefined Coconut Oil for Edibles: Which is Better?

Baked goods are a popular infused option for at-home cannabis cooks, and coconut oil has quickly become one of the most common ingredients. But should you use refined or unrefined coconut oil for edibles?

In this guide, we’ll discuss the difference and how to use each type of coconut oil in different infused recipes for the best-tasting edibles.

What Is Cannabis-Infused Coconut Oil?

Cannabis-infused coconut oil is coconut oil that has been infused with cannabis. It can be used in a variety of both sweet and savory-infused dishes. It's a popular option for cannacooks because it is a great ingredient for helping cannabinoids like THC enter your body. It's high in saturated fat but a healthier option than butter, and it has a long shelf life.

Making cannabis-infused coconut oil is also fairly simple (keep scrolling to learn how).

Refined vs. Unrefined Coconut Oil: What's The Difference?

When choosing between refined and unrefined coconut oil for edibles, you should know two main differences: the production process and the part of the coconut from which the oil is made. These two factors affect cooking temperature (and other important factors) when making your edibles, so they aren’t always interchangeable.

Unrefined Coconut Oil

Some chefs (and brands) refer to unrefined coconut oil as “virgin” or “extra-virgin.” All of these names mean the same thing and are helpful to remember when shopping for ingredients.

Unrefined coconut oil is produced by extracting and pressing the coconut meat to yield the oil. Two different methods are used for this. 

• The dry method uses heat to remove moisture before pressing. 
• The wet method utilizes fresh coconut meat to produce milk and oil. The milk and oil are separated, typically using fermentation or specialized machines.

Unrefined coconut oil has a low smoke point of about 350℉. This makes unrefined coconut oil better suited for low-heat cooking, salad dressings, and topping off finished recipes. Heating your oil past its smoke point could cause it to break down, reducing flavor and nutrients. More importantly, heating oil beyond its smoke point could cause a fire or, according to research, pose health risks. 

Unrefined coconut oil has a strong scent and tastes like coconut (unlike refined coconut oil). If you’re a fan of coconut flavor, unrefined oil might be the right choice.

One great feature of unrefined coconut oil is its long shelf life. The oil can last 2 to 3 years when stored correctly in a cool place in a sealed container.

Cannabis Storage Tip: Regardless of the product, keep all cannabis products in a clearly labeled container and out of reach of children or pets.

Refined Coconut Oil

Copra is dried coconut meat from which refined coconut oil is extracted. The copra passes through a machine that uses steam or heat to deodorize the oil and remove any impurities. This step is what differentiates refined from unrefined coconut oil.

Refined oil has a neutral scent and taste, making it a good choice for recipes that call for oil but don’t require coconut flavor.

Refined coconut oil also has a higher smoke point of 400-450℉, making it well-suited for frying and other high-heat recipes.

Refined oils have a shorter shelf life than unrefined oils and are typically good for only a few months. It’s important to examine the oil before using it, paying careful attention to any signs of mold, an unusual flavor, or a yellow tint.

When to Use Refined or Unrefined Coconut Oil for Edibles

In some situations, refined coconut oil is more suitable for a recipe than unrefined (and vice versa). Let’s look at considerations for baking and cooking with coconut oil.

Cannabis Baking with Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is featured in many cannabis baked goods, and it’s possible to use both refined and unrefined oil in these recipes, though unrefined coconut oil is more likely to bestow a strong coconut flavor in your finished dish.

If your recipe has a flavor you don’t want to be compromised by coconut, like a strawberry or peach dish, refined coconut oil is recommended. If, on the other hand, you want to add a hint of coconut to your baked goods, unrefined oil can do so without needing extra ingredients.

Cannabis Cooking with Coconut Oil

Cannabis coconut oil can also be used in savory dishes or as condiments, such as salad dressing and pasta sauces. 

Utilizing the strong flavor of unrefined coconut oil is a great way to expand the flavor profile of your dishes. Next time you’re making an infused curry, consider adding unrefined coconut oil to take advantage of its rich flavor. 

Refined or unrefined coconut oil is a great choice for cooking at lower heat, such as sautéing. If you are going to use coconut oil for frying, however, consider refined oil, as it withstands higher temperatures.

How to Make Cannabis Coconut Oil

When making cannabis infused coconut oil, you'll want to make sure to first decarbing the cannabis and calculate the dosage. Here are the basic steps for making infused coconut oil:

1. Decarb your favorite cannabis flower to activate the THC, and set aside to cool.
2. Once your cooled, use a cheesecloth and string to create a sachet filled with the decarbed flower. Place to the side.
3. On the stove, in a pot, melt the uninfused refined or unrefined coconut oil until it becomes liquid. 
4. Place the sachet filled with your decarbed flower into the oil.
5. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 hours on low heat.
6. Once the oil turns dark green, remove the sachet and let the oil cool.

Store your infused coconut oil in a clear glass jar and label it properly. Then place in a cool and dry place to maintain its freshness.

Final Thoughts 

Whether you have refined or unrefined coconut oil for edibles, both are great options for your infused dishes.

Look for unrefined oil if you want a less processed option with a natural coconut flavor. However, if you want to skip the coconut flavor and ensure impurities are removed—or if you like cooking at high heat—consider buying refined oil.

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.