VIRGIN COCONUT OIL PLANT

1. Overview of Virgin Coconut Oil Production

Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) is produced from fresh, mature coconuts (not copra). It is extracted either through wet-processing or dry-processing methods that preserve natural nutrients, antioxidants, and aroma.

2. Common Production Methods

A. Wet Process (from Coconut Milk)

1. Dehusking & Deshelling Removing the husk and shell.

2. Paring Removing the brown testa (skin).

3. Washing & Grating Grating the white kernel.

4. Milk Extraction Grated coconut is pressed to obtain coconut milk.

5. Oil Separation The coconut milk is left to ferment, centrifuged, or enzymatically treated to separate oil from water and protein.

6. Filtration & Drying The extracted oil is filtered and dried to remove moisture.

7. Bottling Final oil is packed in sterilized containers.

Advantages: High purity, aroma, and nutritional content.
Disadvantages: Lower yield, higher production cost.

B. Dry Process (from Dried Kernel)

1. Drying Fresh coconut kernel is dried at controlled temperature to reduce moisture.

2. Cold Pressing Dried coconut is pressed using an expeller.

3. Filtration Oil is filtered through fine cloth or filter press.

4. Storage & Packaging Oil is stored in clean, airtight containers.

Advantages: Simpler and faster.
Disadvantages: Slightly lower aroma than wet process.

3. Required Equipment (Typical VCO Plant)

• Coconut dehusker and desheller

• Paring machine

• Grinder or pulverizer

• Milk expeller or hydraulic press

• Centrifuge (for separation)

• Filter press

• Oil dryer (vacuum or heat type)

• Storage tanks (SS 304/316)

• Bottling & labeling machine