Nutriva’s Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

I’ve been singing the praises of coconut oil for a few years now. I use it on my skin, my hair, and my eyelids, especially after taking off my makeup. I also use it in cooking and baking, and it’s kind of become my go-to oil for almost everything. And when I was offered a couple of cookbooks and a jar of this wunder-oil from Nutriva to review, I was over the moon at opportunity.

Not all oils are created equal and this Nutriva Organic Virgin Coconut Oil takes the coconut experience to whole another level. Nutriva is the #1 selling coconut oil in the US for over 10 years, and it’s not hard to see why. USDA organic, non-GMO, kosher, non-hydrogenated, and no cholesterol, it’s made from freshly made from cold-pressed coconuts, with a light and pleasant coconut taste and aroma that is clean and pure tasting. I baked delicious cookies that were moist in the inside and crisp on the outside and the pineapple chunks just gave them that tropical burst I was looking for. Nutiva makes everything you can get out of a coconut from flours, sugars, oils to you got to check out what an “o’ coconut” is! Nutriva also carries hemp, chia and red palm derived products, but my favorite is, easily, their Organic Virgin Coconut Oil. I got lost on their site just checking out everything they make! You can use it to pan fry and saute too, because it has a high smoke point to boot. And, OMG, it makes the best popcorn ever.

But the benefits don’t stop there. There’s an entire cottage industry springing up around coconut oil, and for good reason. Nutriva’s Organic Virgin Coconut Oil has kept my hair and skin healthy, and hydrated without all the harsh, nasty chemicals found in most mass-marketed moisturizers. And, ounce for ounce, it’s also an incredible value. Just a little bit goes a long way, and after a full day of eyeshadow over primer, nothing feels better on tired lids than a smidge of Nutiva’s coconut oil. Especially since the horrible reaction I had to the reformulated Urban Decay products, my eyelids have never been the same, but Nutriva’s coconut oil has helped…a lot. I put it on a scar from a recent surgery and watched the angry pink and purple boo-boo turn into a minimally noticeable line on my leg. The only thing I worry about with coconut oil anymore, is, figuratively speaking, oversaturation. The health benefits and dietary pluses have been so oversold and overstated that I’m worried it’ll go back to a niche oil that’s difficult and expensive to find. Thankfully, for now, it’s affordable, shelf stable, pretty versatile and relatively affordable in all it’s forms. I definitely recommend that if you haven’t, you immediately give Nutriva’s Organic Coconut oil a try.

Connect with Nutriva:

• Online
• On Facebook
• On Twitter
• On Amazon
• On Google+
• On Instagram
• On Pinterest

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge for the purposes of review.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

 

 

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Gourmet Living: Balsamic Vinegar of Modena Review #IGPInitialPromo #GourmetLivingBalsamic

Some things are beautiful and I always admire a gorgeous looking bottle. Presentation matters and especially when purchasing a product that retails higher than it’s counterparts but that is if you look at vinegar as plainly an acid, disregarding origin, grape used in production, to aging. This can get blurred and sometimes on purpose by the manufacture. We all want what we pay for and that is something I was critical of when I had the opportunity to review Gourmet Living’s Balsamic Vinegar of Modena. I love Balsamic and use it almost on a daily basis in it’s “raw form” or to enhance the taste of sauces to meats. Nothing tastes like it and it may look like wine but a good tasting Balsamic will make you forget about wine all together.

When I received the parcel from Gourmet Living, the box was beautiful with gold colored foil highlights and it almost felt like suede when touched. I open it and I see a beautiful red wax seal on top, and the bottle is as noteworthy as the rest. Every detail has been thought of but in the end I seek what is inside the bottle. Does the vinegar have a pleasant taste and will it play well with the others, meaning I don’t want an acidic pungent base that overpowers all the other flavor notes and even the smallest drop makes me just taste vinegar.

I figured the best test was trying it as-is and making a simple at home Vinaigrette. I never buy dressings and just make my own because as much as I want the dressing in the bottle to last, everything a manufacture adds to make it long living also makes it poor tasting. I save money and fridge space, plus I can adjust my dressings by the meals I am serving that day. A Vinaigrette made at home will always be friendly to a waist-line too.

Retail Price Point: $36.95 for a 8.5 fluid ounce bottle via Amazon

You will look and notice years and size of bottles fluctuate drastically when it comes to Balsamic. I thought the more the ounces combined with greater years, makes the price tag higher, but that did not remain factual. Some expensive brands had poor ratings along with the low quantity of ounces they gave. I get it that aging takes storing, time and care. This is not even what it takes to make the initial fluid in the first place. Boiling a product down reduces the quantity and intensifies the flavor but it depends on the cook and the “starter product”, if even the final product will be worthy. Balsamic may look thick and smell sometimes strong but it delivers sweet notes when done well. As it ages the flavor matures and the wood that is used for storage will also affect the vinegar. The Balsamic from Gourmet Living also has an IGP certification that has certain criteria that must be met for a bottle to pass and reach the seal. Think of it like a diamond and how certain outside agencies will only certify if certain standards are met, down to origin of the stone. The vinegar from Gourmet Living is from Modena and had the proper labeling I have seen with products of this kind, so they passed the visual test and now to how it tastes.

Taste Test:
I made my dressing and I always taste before adding salt. The Balsamic had a pleasant sweet taste without bitter after notes. You could pick up what the wood had added a distinct flavor to the vinegar, and it just intensifies that aroma you get when using the product and tasting it. I actually found this vinegar very pleasant and for the price, it was a fair price point. I have only been able to get a better price point at Whole Foods on 2 bottles that were being cleared out and that was a once in a lifetime opportunity. A bottle of Balsamic lasts because you use a small amount. Think of when you use demi glace and how a little goes a long way. The same applies here and that makes it a worthy purchase in my book!

Connect with Gourmet Living at:

• On-line
• Amazon
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• Google+
• #GourmetLivingBalsamic #IGPInitialPromo

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Gourmet Living.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

NutriGold: Organic, Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil Gold Review #CoconutOil #NutriGold

NutriGold is a supplement company, which offers an extensive line of products to fit your nutritional needs. Most products you will find are organic and also Non-GMO certified. Your options are endless with NutriGold, as they offer anything from multi-vitamins to herbal and dietary supplements, and simple ingredients like the Coconut Gold oil I was able to review.

Coconut oil comes in many forms from fractionated, Virgin, Refined, Extra-Virgin, to Cold Pressed and others. The clear distinction here is that you want to sort on quality and also take into consideration what you will be using it for. You don’t want to spend on a high grade quality oil if all you will be doing is filling a jar with essential oils and only need a “filler” oil, and this is where fractionated oil found it’s place. When you will be applying the product to your skin and/or consuming the oil, this is where being picky and smart really comes into play, so doing your homework will insure you get what you pay for. I always resort in seeking out a trusted source first and then narrow down what they have to offer. Anyone can claim anything so this is key!

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This is where NutriGold comes into the picture because they offer a Coconut oil that is sourced from the Philippines and is unrefined. You get 100% Extra Virgin Coconut oil that meets the standard and practices to not only be classified as Organic, but also Non-GMO certified. In the coconut oil world, it is not like the olive one where extra virgin and virgin have clear definitions/standards but a “virgin” oil is commonly known to come from the first press. You have the flesh of the coconut that is in it’s fresh form, pressed to extract coconut milk first, and then comes the water and the oil. The oil from that first press is what you get in every NutriGold bottle.

Retail Price Point: $10.99 for one pound or two pounds for $19.99

The benefits come in droves when it comes to uses of Coconut oil. You start on the outside and you have a plethora of applications that fall under the beauty category, from softening and nourishing hair to your skin. I use it to nourish and replenish my eyelashes after wearing a waterproof mascara, that can be very drying to the follicle and surrounding skin. You can’t find anything more safe and natural than NutriGold’s Coconut oil and it works, plus my lashes grow beautifully since I started this practice. I have used it also as a nail oil in place of those little cuticle oil bottles that always cost more than meat at the market for a small little bottle! I use the same form of application but save money too. No hangnails to report and because it works, I continue my weekly regimen. Go into the Cooking category and you have an oil that has a decent smoke point for being virgin and produces a crisp on meats to vegetables that made me rethink the fats I use. Coconut oil does not leave a fruit flavor, so you can really use it in different cuisines. It has a light finish, so anything you cook leaves you tasting what you made, versus what you cooked with. No refrigeration is required once opening, so it’s not an oil that needs to take up space in the fridge to avoid it going rancid.

I was very happy with the one pound bottle from NutriGold that when this one runs out, I will be seeking out the two pounder!

Connect with NutriGold and their array of products at:

• On-line
• Product Link
• Amazon
• Facebook
• Twitter
• #CoconutOil
• #NutriGold

I received the above product(s) free of charge from NutriGold.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Majestic Pure Oils: Fractionated Coconut Oil #Review #MajesticPure

In the world of essential oils and the like, many companies like to make things fuzzy by using terms as, Pharmaceutical Grade and/or Therapeutic Grade. Who grades or certifies these oils? No one! You have to trust the supplier, unless you get into food grades where the FDA grades and then you hear terms as Virgin, Extra Virgin and the like. When it comes to real certifications, where you pay an agency for them to come in, inspect and grade your materials, you then see such certifications like the “Non-GMO” and Organic labels. It comes down to sources and knowing them, so I am a bit critical when it comes to oils and I always think about what will I be using them for and the price point attached.

Majestic Pure Oils, is a company that carries an array of products and especially oils. They have “Carrier” oils, which get used in addition to essential oils. Think of a candle and the wax is the carrier, where the fragrance would be the essential oil. I was sent a bottle of their, Fractionated Coconut Oil to try. What exactly is Fractionated Coconut Oil- You know how we have Extra Virgin, Virgin and then just everyday olive oil…..this is the latter. This is the oil that has been broken down and stripped down of certain ingredients. Stripping down is a way to simplify what is needed and in this case simple has it’s uses. You are left with an oil that does not go rancid or oxidize because the fatty acids have been removed. The oil has zero odor and this is why it mixes so well with essential oils that do. The oil is colorless and this means no stains and also lighter in form, so you do not produce those oil marks you would usually suffer from if it came in contact with fabrics. It’s light texture usually means your skin will not be aggravated, suffer clogged pores and is easily absorbed.

I used Majestic Pure’s Fractionated Coconut oil, for a period of 2 weeks to see how well it performed. The bottle came sealed and nicely packaged, with an additional “pop-open” cap if needed. I first used the product as a carrier oil for an essential oil blend I purchased to give fragrance to the home. A simple bowl suspended by iron, with a tea candle below will slowly heat the oils to create fragrance. The Fractionated Coconut oil was slow to dissipate and this is why I enjoy this kind of oil.  The oil comes with a manufacture date label and states it has a 5-year shelf life.  This type of oil will not solidify like virgin quality oils and will remain in clear liquid form. Retail Price Point: $14.95 for 16 Fluid Ounce Bottle with 100% Satisfaction Guarantee I used the oil in a purely topical application and like I mentioned, I am picky about what I ingest. Majestic’s Pure Oil is 100% Natural and not like other companies that do not have a “web presence” . They have many ways to contact them, are located in my home state and let’s not forget they have very favorable feedback. I like that and want that from a company and especially when it comes to the world of oils. The oil left my skin nice and soft with no residue and even though I may be wearing a tank top and it’s Winter in California, no one wants oil spots on them no matter the season! Connect with Majestic Oils and their selection of oils and soon to be Beauty Products at:

• On-line
• Amazon
• FaceBook
• Phone– 1.866.253.5404
• E-mail
• Address– 2928 Jefferson St, Ste 2H Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Majestic Pure.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

UrthBox: March Box Review…..Discover a Healthier You!

I can easily state that from all the subscription boxes that are food related…..this one is the most packed!

Urthbox is a company which fills their subscription boxes with healthy, not-your-average treats and snacks. Stocking their box with only non-GMO foods makes this company stand out above all the rest.  They also have boxes that fit every dietary need from vegan, gluten-free and even “diet” options.  Munching diet related products is a great way to know what works, what you like to even what you want to continue purchasing.  Urthbox also has boxes to fit every budget starting from $19 (7-10 items), medium sized box for $29 (12-15 products), to the large box that makes you a super happy snacker at $49 (20-24 items).  I received the “Part-Time Snacker” box in size medium.  I received 12 products from different manufacturers but the quantity was larger because some products came in counts of 2 or even 3.  I liked that they count your products by individual kinds versus counting that they added 2 items of one product and using that towards the full count.  Very fair and generous of UrthBox.  I also want to add that shipping is free, so the above price points are with shipping included.

Let’s get started because I have so much to cover….I will be using the 1 to 5 point system where 5 is superb in taste/flavor and texture, and where 1 is pretty much saying don’t put it in your mouth 🙂

• Snap Pea Crisps (One .75 ounce package): I have seen these being sampled at Costco but never actually stood in line to try one.  It’s pretty much Green Peas that are lightly salted and baked.  A healthier way to snack because you get less fat than potato chips but this treat also is a good source of fiber.  I love peas of any kind so I am biased on this one.  I did like the texture but was not super fond of the aftertaste.  It was not pleasant and left my mouth lacking moisture but now I know to pass versus buying on these.  I give them a 2

• Hemp Hearts (Two 0.5 ounce packages): I have tested these before and enjoy them very much.  You can read my full detailed review here- http://wp.me/p2B5Rd-fP and I give these a 5

 

• Viana Mild Jumbo Veggie Snack Sausage (Two 1.76 ounce packages): I received the Traditional German Smokehouse variety and have never tasted a non-meat sausage.  I first loved how it smelled because that is my first test before taking a bite.  The smell was spicy and very inviting.  I take a bite and must say that flavor is not missing and you get a nice smoky taste with a wonderful blend of spices.  Being a meat-eater, I can say if you told me it was turkey or chicken based….I would be none the wiser.  It’s organic and you get a generous 13 grams of soy based protein with only 130 calories.  It’s up there with a cup of yogurt and only 360 mg of sodium and 2 grams of sugar.  It fills you up in a more satisfying way and I would purchase this item again.  I give this product a 4

• Salba Chia Boost (Two 0.5 ounce packages): Advertised as not your usual chia seed and something I would have overlooked because I have had bad chia seeds.  I did not think qualities changed so drastically and because I sorted on value when first buying them, I first purchased a bag of great quality seeds.  I then go and repurchase the chia seeds but decided to pick-up a cheaper brand……big mistake.  There was such an off taste that eating them in a wet or dry method did not save me.  I ended up discarding them so there went my savings turning into waste.  I can say that Salba does have a premium product and I also enjoyed that these come in ground (powder) form, something that was new to me.  I mix it with my flax seeds and they are a treat with a nutritional punch.  I give this item a 5

• Kelapo Extra Virgin Coconut oil (One 0.5 ounce package): The Coconut oil is cold pressed and unrefined.  Love that it’s Fair Trade certified and Organic.  I have become a fan of the coconut and it’s oil, to the point I cook with it and even purchase a butter and coconut oil spread that makes great grilled cheese sandwiches, even to just being used on bread.  The Kelapo package states to warm in hands, tear and squeeze.  Like many cooking oils, not all are equal and I put Kelapo in the higher grade when it comes to standards, texture and flavor.  This is why I love these subscription boxes…..I became a fan of a new brand and give this oil a 5

 

• Shelton’s Smoked Snack Stick (One 1.0 ounce package): The sausage stick came in jalapeno flavor and is turkey based.  Shelton’s products use turkey that is antibiotic free and the ingredient list was rather short.  You have the turkey, jalapeno peppers, water, salt, encapsulated lactic acid, celery juice, red pepper, black pepper, granulated garlic, coriander and the blend is stuffed in a beef collagen casing  Pretty simple and as natural as you can get when it comes to the sausage world.  The product has a nice texture and spice content.  You pick up the flavor of the peppers and I loved that it was not greasy or fatty like other sausages of this kind.  I give this product a 4

• Neo Water (One 16.9 ounce bottle): Neo is a “Superwater” and it’s super-ness comes with the triple the benefits that come with this drink.  You get water and added minerals for flavor, but also alkaline, has electrolytes and antioxidants.  The water has a crisp and refreshing flavor and it’s definitely noticed when drinking.  It tastes cleaner and I like the added benefits.  I give this bottle a 5

• Spatone Pur Absorb Iron (3 0.67 fluid ounce packages): Okay, I never thought of drinking iron and I’m the type that usually tries to get mine from vegetables and meat.  You get 5 mg of iron per package and the contents are listed as iron-rich natural spring water.  Now, I’m more curious and my first thought was, “please don’t taste like iron”.  I taste it as-is and I will say the package suggests adding it to a fruit based juice or just more water.  It does not smell strong but my nose must be stuffy because the taste was very unpleasant.  Strong notes of metal and almost a fishy finish.  I drank plain water trying to wash the unpleasant taste and I would think I was free from it for it to just creep back.  The very unfavorable notes were stuck in the back of my teeth and in my throat, it took several sips to just diliute it enough so it would not give me a “sicky-feeling”.  Again, why would someone want to drink their iron like this is something I thought before tasting and was reinforced after tasting.  I give this product a 1 but wishing my scale had a 0

• Licious Organics Honey Cookies (One 1 ounce cookie): Let’s move on from the iron disaster and onto cookies…much nicer.  I received the cranberry almond variety and this is an unbaked cookie.  You have finely crushed oats, coconut, almonds and raw honey, plus cranberries and sunflower seeds.  You also have sunflower oil, Utah pink salt, cinnamon, vanilla and lemon juice. The cookie is also wheat free and 130 calories per small cookie.  I can say it tastes unbaked and even though dates are not mentioned, the pulverized texture makes you think of them of date bars.  This cookie saved me from the iron so I am grateful!  The texture and puck shaped cookie makes it……well un-cookie like.  This is more like a nutrition bar shaped like a disc but when I looked at the protein and nutrition facts, I can see why it’s called a cookie.  Not bad if you have it right there but would not crave it or seek it out.  I give the faux cookie a 2

• Beanfield’s Bean & Rice Chips (One 1.5 ounce bag): I was fortunate to review the entire selection offered by the Beanfield’s company and today I still purchase and eat their chips.  I received the pico de gallo flavor and please read my detailed review here-http://wp.me/p2B5Rd-n2 .  You will enjoy these very flavorful chips and I give this tasty chip a 5

• Eco-Dent Oral Care (3 packets): This is a company that makes natural based products for oral care.  I received 1 packed of dental gum, 1 packet of the daily rinse and 1 packet of tooth powder that substitutes as toothpaste.  Eco-Dent has a full line of dental hygiene products to fulfill your dental needs.  The products tasted actually rather nice and they all had a mint-based flavor.  The company included a 10% off coupon, plus a nice informative pamphlet about what makes their products premium and natural.  They even stand behind their products with a money-back guarantee!  I’m addicted to keeping my teeth white and while I did like these items, they just did not fit my individual needs.  Yes, Baking Soda whitens but in my experience not as quick and fast as the products I currently use.  These products perform as advertised and I give these products a 4

• CalNaturalle Svelte Organic Protein Shake (One 11 Fluid Ounce container): I skip on drinking protein shakes or smoothies and I must be honest on why, I’m lazy about washing my non-dishwasher safe shaker bottle.  Yes, it comes down to that but it’s the honest truth.  I then think of buying one that is dishwasher safe but no point if you need it the following day so I made a simple purchase complicate.  Only me!  In comes Svelte making sure to clear away my laziness by having their shake come in their own bottle.  I just shake, open and drink.  My flavor came in French vanilla and is sweetened with stevia.  All organic products and the protein shake is soymilk based, giving you 11 grams of protein.  It tasted pretty good for being a vanilla flavor and I drank half and then put it in the freezer for it to freeze just enough to make it taste like a shake….20 minutes top.  Then I loved it so I give this product a 4

 

• So, let’s rate my UrthBox and I give the service, size of box and items included a fairly deserved 4.5 and 5 if you find a discount code…..wait, I found one. Use code 5XU83J and you get a $10 Gift Card towards your first order. Code expires on 5/30/2014.

Please Visit UrthBox and broaden your food and snacking needs:

• On-line– http://www.urthbox.com/ (Don’t forget your code above at checkout)
• Seek them via FaceBook– https://www.facebook.com/urthbox
• Say “Hello” via Twitter– https://twitter.com/urthbox
• Look at pics via Pinterest (I won’t tell 🙂 )- http://www.pinterest.com/urthbox/
• or via Instagram- http://instagram.com/urthbox

 

I received the above product free of charge from UrthBox.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Giveaway: Tropical Traditions Gold Label, Virgin Coconut Oil

It’s that time, the time to reward my readers with a fantastic giveaway.  One reader will receive one Gold Label, Virgin Coconut Oil quart sized bottle from Tropical Tradition’s. All you have to do to enter is:

1. Subscribe to Tropical Tradition’s email Sales Newsletter here: http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/subscribe_for_special_sales.cfm
2. and please leave a comment on my blog post reviewing the product here- https://samplesandfreebiesgallery.wordpress.com/2014/01/17/tropical-traditions-virgin-coconut-oil-gold-label-usda-organic/

That is all! This giveaway will run for 2 weeks and on February 5th, I will announce the winner! Tropical Traditions will send the item directly to the winner for free!!!!!!

More Information-

• Tropical Traditions Home Page: http://www.tropicaltraditions.com
• Gold Label Product Page: http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/virgin_coconut_oil.htm
• What is Virgin Coconut Oil: http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/what_is_virgin_coconut_oil.htm
• How to Use Coconut Oil: http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/how-to-use-coconut-oil.htm

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.

Tropical Tradition’s: Virgin Coconut Oil, Gold Label USDA Organic

I have enjoyed coconut as a child from the fruit to the water, and became more curious about the oil when I purchased a product (spread) that contained Coconut oil and real Butter. I thought I would get a strong flavor that went with the fruit and while this is a plus for me, it is not for my anti-coconut husband, but he enjoyed the product after trying it. I started seeing the oil pop up in markets like Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and even your standard everyday superstores but the jars were not all created equal. So much separation and so many color changes in brands that I did not know where to start when it came to making an actual purchase. Then I started investigating what makes one better than the other, because nowadays making a bad buy not only fills you with regret, but who needs a ding in the pocket book?

The things I learned are that like everything else, the cost of the product does not equate quality. You want an oil that is derived from a good, trusted source and a product that has not been exposed to light or variances in temperature. coconut oil does not go rancid as quickly as other oils and while it’s more forgiving in that department, you still don’t want an abused jar that could have lasted longer if the manufacturer had cared. I have used coconut oil for beauty purposes and found it wonderful for the skin above my eyes that is more delicate. After going through an allergic reaction from an eye primer, coconut oil mixed with vitamin E oil is what helped my skin come back to normal, so I am a believer of it can do for the skin’s health and it’s restoring powers!

Now, you all know I love baking, but also cooking savory foods so with this product test, I just jumped in and went with what I had in hand. I marinated two large chicken breasts (cut into strips) over night with cayenne pepper, smoked sea salt, parsley, mustard powder, a dash of smoked paprika, oregano, three pepper blend from the mill and then added one cup of buttermilk, plus one bay leaf. You can use coconut milk in place of the buttermilk if you want a more “tropical” flavor. This is my recipe for fried chicken but I was making both fried and roasted this time. After everything marinated, you will notice that the buttermilk/coconut milk will be well absorbed by the meat and this also aids with tenderizing. I then made 2 batches, one coated with (seasoned) flour for the deep fried portion and the other went in the oven as-is (on parchment paper) and I cooked it for 15 minutes at 400 degrees. These are chicken strips and cook rather easy but I was not done with the roasted chicken yet!

(Above) Just out from the oven and not browned with Tropical Tradition’s Virgin Coconut Oil

I then placed the strips in a pan with the Tropical Virgin coconut oil. I used just about 1/2 tablespoon and the oil melts clear and beautifully. Coconut oil has a smoke point of 350 degrees so I kept this in mind when browning. You will notice in the pan that because the chicken went in the oven with no oils/fats, it did not brown nicely but this is when the magic happens. I sauteed the chicken and it browns quickly and nicely. The top layer was so crisp that you would swear I coated it with some kind of batter. The meat remains juicy and tender, plus I noticed this oil was not quickly absorbed like other oils I have used. After I was done, I had at least 1/4 of it left in the pan and I like when fats don’t oil log foods.

(Above) Browned and resting after cooking with Tropical Tradition’s Virgin Coconut Oil

I allowed the chicken to rest and then sliced it to serve over a salad. My salad contained 5 different lettuces, plus some cabbage and kale. I boiled a small egg and also added a whole small avocado. Sprinkled some poppy seeds, smoked paprika on the eggs and pepper medley over the entire salad. I placed the chicken on top and had a meal that was not only filling but delicious and nutritious. My husband had a bite of the chicken and he could pick up a hint of the sweetness but not the coconut notes he dislikes. Let’s say you smell the coconut fruit in the pan while you cook but you do not taste it on the meat. I like my greens how they taste so I opted for a dressing I make that is just a plain vinaigrette (smoked sea salt, pepper medley, red wine vinegar and any oil of your choice). I will definitely be purchasing my coconut oil from a trusted source like Tropical Traditions because it is the best I have ever had!

You smell the coconut’s sweetness but even when you taste it from the jar, the product has more of a nutty like flavor versus what you expect taste wise from the coconut’s fruit. I also like how clean and non-oily it tastes. You do not get that unwanted oily film feeling that covers your mouth like with other oils. Try it today and from Tropical Tradition’s because they have a 100% Money Back Guarantee on 16 oz. trial size!

Guarantee as stated from their site:
Order Risk-FREE!

“We are so convinced that you will love this oil, that we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on our 16 oz. trial size. If for any reason you are not 100% satisfied with your trial size in the first 30 days, get a full refund – no questions asked!” So try it today and start enjoying this wonderful oil!

Tropical Traditions has a large array of products and you can check them out at:

• Their Website
• Buy Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil
• Watch a video on Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil!
• Their Twitter
• Their Facebook
• Their Google+

I received the above product free of charge from Tropical Traditions. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

BzzAgent: Filippo Berio® Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Not all oils are created equal and I have learned this through trial and error. As with many foods, companies add fillers or even combine oils to create a lesser quality product but still charge consumers a price point that makes you think it equates with quality.

Been there and done that…..and this is why I hold Filippo Berio’s oils on a whole different level.

I received an Extra Virgin Olive Oil bottle from BzzAgent along with all the great campaign goodies they include. You have the booklet, which educates you about the benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and how it can improve not only your dishes but your health. Great coupons and even a magnet that reflects the measurements you use when substituting Olive Oil for Butter. Great kit and I love it!

Filippo Berio’s company exports their oils from Italy and has been sharing their great products since 1850.  Now, that is staying in business for a long time and you know you have to be doing something right if you want people to support your products.  The company makes several versions of Olive Oils from Extra Virgin, Light, and also makes vinegar (balsamics) and other products like olives and pestos.  Their distribution is massive and they now reach over 65 countries!  Now, that is reaching the masses!

The Health Benefits:

Extra Virgin Olive oil is better for you because it contains no trans fat or cholesterol.  Butters commonly used in savory cooking contain salts and Olive oil does not.  You have an oil that is high in monounsaturated fats, which is commonly known as “the good fat” that doctors want you to eat.

What is the difference between the Extra Virgin and just Olive Oil:

• Virgin means the oil was produced by the use of physical means and the oil was not treated with any chemicals.  It also means the oil is produced from the “first batch” that the seed/grain produces.

• Refined means that the oil has been chemically treated to neutralize strong tastes (characterized as defects) and neutralize the acid content.  Chemicals are many times used in lower quality oils as way to preserve and slow down the oxidation that occurs with age.  Refined oil is regarded as lower quality product.  Oils with the retail labels extra-virgin olive oil and virgin olive oil cannot contain any refined oil, as it would not be Virgin if anything else was added.

• Olive Oil Pommace or Pomace, means oil extracted from the pomace using solvents, mostly Hexane.  Hexane is a carbon based chemical found in glues to gasoline.  Manufactures combine the Hexane and heat to extract from the seeds the oil.  Hexane has a low toxicity level, but nonetheless many industries that use the chemical in their processing, are seeking alternatives due to the adverse health effects.

What the above means is that it all comes down to purity and acidity levels.  Every oil has it’s purpose and this is why learning about them is something I like to do because I don’t want to pay for a lower end product, much less one laced with chemicals my body does not want or need.  Think about it like chocolate and cacao content…..it’s the same mind set.  Don’t let the labels fool you and I also try to stay within the brands I can trust because many good manufactures will not distribute to the public, a lower quality product.

Now, Extra Virgin Olive oils have a lower smoke point and this means that the oil will smoke and destabilize with higher temperatures.  You may have heard people say it’s a waste to fry in Extra Virgin Olive oil because of it.  I like to do something I call “lacing”, it’s making my own mixes of oils as I see fit for the dish I am preparing.  I use different oils like Grape because the oil has a higher smoke point.  I decided to get creative and used a mix of Grape Oil and Extra Virgin Olive Oil and of course Filippo Berio’s brand.

• Olive Oil Braised Chicken Legs with a Roasted Garlic and Herb Stuffing

• Foccacia Bread with Parmesan Cheese

I received the above product from BzzAgent and Filippo Berio.  I am not obligated in providing a positive/favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product, which may differ from yours. #GotItFree