Get Inspired With Our Coconut Products

Here at Biona we take our coconuts very seriously. They are a core part to our company as well as our daily lives. Because they’re so important to us, we want to spread the coconut love so we thought we’d create a little guide to everything you’d ever want to know about our range.

Let’s start from the beginning. As you know, we are passionate about organic foods and farming methods and everything we sell at Biona reflects that, including our coconut products, most of which are sourced from the tropical Island of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka has a rich agricultural history of more than 2000 years and their people were pioneers of organic farming. Coconut is the most widely grown plantation crop in Sri Lanka and early Spanish explorers, on first encountering the hairy nut, named it ‘coco’ meaning ‘monkey face’ because of the seeming similarities!

The farm where our coconut products are harvested is rich in biodiversity. The families that run the plantation own cattle, who roam freely and whose dung, along with the coconut husks, acts as a fertilizer for the many species of other plants growing in the surrounding areas, including mango and banana trees.

So now you know the origin of our coconuts, we’d like to formally introduce you to each and every member of our coconut family.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has a long history and people have been using it for centuries in Africa, Asia and South America, not only in their cooking but for it’s many other uses (more of which below). It’s only in the last few years in the UK that it’s popularity has soared as we’ve realised it’s huge potential as a product in our homes.

How is our coconut oil made?

Our coconut oil is pressed from the flesh of organic coconuts, harvested from the coconut palm (cocos nucifera).

What’s the difference between Biona Virgin Coconut Oil and Biona Coconut Oil Cuisine?

We sell two coconut oils: our Virgin Coconut Oil and our Coconut Oil Cuisine. Both are made of high quality coconut oil, the only difference is that the cuisine oil has been lightly steamed to remove the coconut flavour and aroma. The neutral taste means it is much more versatile and can be used in any type of recipe without interfering with other flavours.

What are the benefits of coconut oil?

Despite earlier worries surrounding saturated fat, many people now believe that coconut oil is a different breed. Not all fat is equal, and that goes for saturated fat too. Unlike the saturated fat found in many processed foods and processed meats, the saturated fat from coconut oil is believed to be metabolised differently by the body.

The majority of fats that we consume, whether from plants or animals, are composed of long chain fatty acids (LCFAs). Coconut oil, on the other hand, is predominantly made up of medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs). Unlike LCFAs, MCFAs are easier for the body to digest. Once consumed, they are almost immediately metabolised by the liver and used as energy instead of being stored as fat.

One of the fatty acids in coconut oil is lauric acid, a rare and powerful substance (that is also found in breast milk) and makes up about 50% of its MCFAs. Lauric acid is converted in the body to monolaurin, which is known to have antiviral, antibacterial and antiprotozoa properties. Another of the MCFAs is capric acid, which shares some of the same antimicrobial benefits.

Some people also believe that the essential fatty acids in coconut oil can improve digestion. Adding it to your meals may help the body absorb nutrients and help deal with problematic parasites, fungi and bacteria which could be present in the digestive tract. As with other healthy fats, it is also a very good way to make a meal more satiating, which could help lessen cravings to overeat.

Used topically, it works wonders on the skin, hair and nails and promotes healthy teeth and gums.

Coconut oil’s many uses…

For those living in Sri Lanka, and other coconut-bearing countries, coconut oil has been an integral part of their lives for generations, and it’s potential goes far beyond the kitchen. We are all beginning to realise the true potential of coconut oil and we now reach for it on a daily basis to treat all kinds of ailments and simply as a way to make us look and feel better. Here are a few of our favourite ways to use Biona Coconut Oil:

In the kitchen:

• Cooking: this is the most obvious one, but many people don’t realise just how versatile coconut oil is. The high smoking point makes it perfect for cooking at high heat, where other oils can oxidize. Use it for roasting, frying, sautéing and baking. Whether you want the lovely coconut aroma that works so well in Asian cooking from our Virgin Oil, or you’d rather the neutral taste of Coconut Oil Cuisine for your other favourite recipes, there are no limitations. Use it as a vegan alternative to butter in cakes, biscuits and muffins, to coat potatoes and vegetables, to fry pancakes and greens or to make popcorn and granola…the list is endless.
• As a breakfast booster: we love adding a spoonful to porridge, smoothies and coffee for a nutritional punch or spreading it on our toast, bagels and pancakes instead of butter.
• As a healthy dressing: did you know that our bodies absorb the nutrients of vegetables and salad more efficiently when eaten with a healthy fat? Use coconut oil to make healthy salad dressings and sauces to pour over your greens.
• As a natural energy boost: ditch the sugary sports drinks and instead, mix 1 tablespoon of coconut oil with a tablespoon of chia seeds before a workout and notice the instant boost it provides.

Outside the kitchen:

• Skin care: We love how moisturising coconut oil is and use it on our lips, faces, hands, elbows and feet when they need perking up. Many people swear by it to help skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and acne. Applied topically to cuts, grazes, spots, sunburn and cold sores it can aid a speedier recovery and prevent infection. Remember, our skin is our biggest organ and takes in everything we put on it. Coconut oil is 100 percent natural and free from chemicals, colours and additives so your skin and body will thank you for it.
• Hair care: If the tips of your hair, beards and mustashes are feeling lifeless and dry, try rubbing on a small amount instead of your usual serum or conditioner. Some people say that coating the scalp with coconut oil will kill any pesky head lice too.
• Beauty: It works wonderfully as a non-aggressive makeup remover (even taking off stubborn mascara!) and leaves your skin feeling soothed, instead of stripped and scoured. Rub into cuticles to help nails grow.
• Oral health: Oil pulling is an age-old practice that involves taking a tablespoon of oil in your mouth and swilling it around for about 20 minutes. Fans of oil pulling say that the oil collects and removes bacteria in the mouth (which is then spat out when the time is up.) If done on a regular basis it’s said to leave your mouth feeling clean, your teeth shiny and your gums healthy. Why not ditch your harsh mouthwash and try oil pulling instead?
• Pet care: Our furry friends also deserve the best they can get. Comb coconut oil through their hair to rid of any lice and promote a healthy and clean coat (as well as looking show-worthy shiny). Adding a tablespoon to their food can also have the same effect.
• Homemade products: Mix with your favourite essential oils for a gorgeous massage oil, mix one part oil to one part sugar for a delicious body scrub or mix with baking soda for a natural toothpaste. These are just a few ideas; there are many recipes online for making soap, body lotion, deodorant and even bug repellant!
• For babies: Use as a baby lotion, to help treat chickenpox, on ear infections, to help cradle cap and so much more.

Have we missed anything out? What are your favourite ways to use coconut oil? We’d love to know.

Biona Coconut Milk, Biona Coconut Milk Light and Biona Coconut Cream

Coconut milk and cream is another essential in our kitchens and in homes all over the world. Asia, The Caribbean and South America are just a few areas where coconut milk is a staple in their cuisine.

How is coconut milk and cream made?

To make coconut milk and cream, the white flesh of the nut is grated and squeezed to release the coconut milk.

Health benefits

Coconut milk and cream are very nutritious and a source of vitamins and minerals, notably manganese, phosphorus, iron and magnesium. As with coconut oil, the saturated fat present is mostly MCFA and so it is metabolised by the body in a different way than other saturated fats.

Coconut milk and cream are both good alternatives to dairy milk for those who may be lactose intolerant or vegan.

Our coconut milk and cream are completely natural and free from any additives or preservatives. You can also rest assured that our cans are all BPA free.

How to use coconut milk and cream

As we mentioned, coconut milk and cream are key ingredients in many cuisines around the world where they are grown in abundance. Its popularity has grown significantly in the last few years in the Western world as people use it more and more as a dairy free alternative to milk. Here are some of our favourite ways to use Biona Coconut Milk, Coconut Milk Light and Coconut Cream:

• Instead of dairy milk in tea, coffee and smoothies
• To cook porridge for a tropical breakfast bowl
• In vegetable curries to offset the heat
• To make delicious coconut rice
• To add creaminess to soups and stews
• In baking recipes for an aromatic twist
• To make dairy-free ice cream and whipped cream
• In a Pina Colada!

Creamed coconut

Creamed coconut is richer, more concentrated version of coconut milk. The dehydrated fresh meat of the coconut is ground to white creamy paste and it is sold in solid blocks.

Biona Creamed Coconut is non-hydrogenated and free from synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. It is a good source of fiber and potassium.

Unlike coconut milk, which will need to be used within a few days of opening the can, creamed coconut has a long shelf life as you only use the amount you need each time you cook with it.

These are our favourite ways to use Biona Creamed Coconut:

• Grate directly into a curry, soup or stew for a to add creaminess
• Mix with warm water to make coconut milk or coconut cream
• Used to enrich sweets, cakes, sauces and ice cream

Biona Coconut Milk Powder

Another option for long-life coconut goodness is our Biona Coconut Milk Powder. Made from the freshest organic coconuts, this versatile powder can instantly be turned into coconut milk or cream by adding water or used in any dish that’s calling out for a coco-nutty hit.

Biona Coconut Flour

Coconut flour is a by-product of the coconut milk and cream process. The pulp that is squeezed to make milk and cream is then dried out and ground to a soft flour.

Health-wise, coconut flour is an amazing option. Not only is it gluten free but it is also high in fibre to aid digestive health, a good source of protein and healthy fats and low on the glycaemic index (GI), meaning it won’t spike your blood sugar levels.

Due to its high fibre content, coconut flour is highly absorbent. This means that a little goes a long way and it is best to follow a recipe when you are new to using it. We love it in pancakes and baked goods.

Coconut Sugar and Coconut Blossom Nectar

Looking for an alternative to refined white sugar? Try Biona Coconut Palm Sugar and Blossom Nectar. They both have a rich butterscotch flavour that is delicious in cakes, puddings and biscuits and it can also be used in your daily tea and coffee.

Coconut Blossom Nectar is made from the sap of the coconut blossoms and is a gorgeous sticky consistency, similar to maple syrup or honey. Coconut palm sugar is made by heating the nectar to turn it into a dry, granulated sugar.

Both are low GI and neither are bleached or filtered. Unlike white sugar, they retain some of the natural nutrients from the coconut palm, including iron, zinc, calcium and potassium.

Coconut Blossom Nectar can be used in place of most liquid sweeteners, gram for gram, and the same can be said for coconut sugar replacing granulated sweeteners.

Coconut Bliss

Our blissful coconut butter is made by grinding the meat of the coconut until its oils are released and a thick, creamy paste is formed. It’s hard to believe that this subtly sweet, creamy delight has absolutely nothing else added.

Cocobella Chocolate Spread

Just three ingredients (coconut, coconut blossom syrup and cacao powder) make up this decadent spread that tastes like a healthier Bounty bar!

All of our spreads are a delicious addition to your favourite baking recipes, lathered on toast, pancakes and waffles, stirred through warm porridge and rice pudding, dolloped into smoothies and shakes or simply enjoyed by the spoonful.

Coconut Almond and Coconut Peanut Butter

There’s something else that we love at Biona nearly as much as coconuts: nut butter! Combining the two was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.

Meet out Coconut Almond Butter and Coconut Peanut Butter. Peanuts and almonds are blended with our organic coconut oil and a dash of blossom syrup to create these silky smooth, moreish, nutty spreads. Both flavours are free from palm oil, suitable for vegans and a source of protein and healthy fats.

For a filling and tasty snack, lather a slice or two of Biona Rye Bread with your favourite flavour and top with sliced banana and cinnamon. We also love them as a dip for chopped apple and pears and as a filling in homemade chocolate nut butter cups.