Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil Review & Giveaway

Most of you guys know I try to be as health conscious as humanely possible. I'm all for trying new things in the health market, so when Tropical Traditions approached me for a review of their coconut oil, I was so excited. 

I had heard lots of buzz about the health benefits of coconut for quite a while. I'll never forget being in Rio and walking along Copacabana Beach and passing all of the coconut water vendors. They'd machete the base of the coconut flat, chop the top off or whittle a hole, and you instantly have a refreshing and healthy drink. Coconut water is amazing and I was really curious about the oil.

At first, I was fearful it would have a gross texture or a super "oily" taste. When they sent me my HUGE jar for review, I was so pleasantly surprised. It was packaged well and when I opened the jar, the smell was amazing! I tasted a bit on my finger and really enjoyed the taste and the thinness of it. It tastes just like it sounds. It wasn't greasy feeling, it wasn't oily tasting, it was really quite pleasant. So, I had no idea what to do with such a big jar of this stuff. I began to Google and came up with some interesting results.

For one, you can use this as a healthy substitute for cooking oils, butters, and spreads. I made a grilled cheese with it tonight and was AMAZED. When in heated temperatures, it remains in oil but when allowed to cool, it turns into a solid. I also found out you can put some in your dogs food as an added health benefit and for a healthy coat and skin. When I give it to Piper, she goes NUTS and gobbles down as much of her food as she can. You can use it on your skin as a moisturizer (LOVE IT!), in your hair as a conditioner, in smoothies, cookies, sauces, soups, and so much more. It really is an amazing wonder food. I've also heard of people freezing it in ice cube trays and enjoying it much like a dessert. I can't wait to try that!

What is so great about Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil, is that it is organic, hand made in small batches by family producers, is super high in antioxidants, has no trans fats, and is made from fresh coconuts. I can go on and on about how awesome this stuff really is. For those of you who would rather a product that doesn't have a coconut smell or taste, you'd be interested in their Expeller Pressed Coconut Oil. This offers the same health benefits but the taste and smell of the coconut has been removed.

I haven't had a whole lot of time to cook with it yet, but the experiences I have had thus far are pretty incredible. I will absolutely be using this in place of cooking oils and trying it as a substitute for butter. I know I'll continue using it as a moisturizer and giving it to Piper as a special treat.

-Giveaway-

So, the amazing people at Tropical Traditions have offered one of my readers a quart of their delicious coconut oil for their delight. Here's how you can win...

Mandatory Entry

Subscribe to their e-Newsletter and leave a comment letting me know you did. Do not forget to include your e-mail address so I can contact you when you win :)

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A winner will be selected at random on July 31st, 2011. Entries will close at 11:00pm EST.

Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose.  Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.