Virgin coconut oil

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

HK$150 for 500ml, manna.hk

Unlike the olive oil world, which draws a distinction in quality between 'extra virgin' and 'virgin', there's no such standard with coconut oil. What's important, though, is that this is cold-pressed and unrefined, meaning it hasn't been chemically processed.

Verdict: smooth and light, this tasted closest to a fresh, young coconut.

Spectrum Organic Unrefined Virgin Coconut Oil

HK$118 for 414ml, ThreeSixty

Made in the US and certified organic by the US Department of Agriculture, this oil has a flavour that is supposedly brought out best by either sauteing over medium heat or baking. With excellent moisturising ability, the benefits go beyond the kitchen: massage the liquified oil into skin or apply to hair for one hour, then rinse thoroughly.

Verdict: this had the strongest sweet coconut flavour of the three, which takes getting used to in fritatas or stir-fried foods.

Bali'Sun Virgin Coconut Oil

HK$210 for 473ml, jirehhealthhk.com

This oil is produced in Thailand through a proprietary process called rapid enhanced chill phase, which speedily separates the oil from a coconut milk emulsion. This is said to intensify the oil's antioxidant-like properties, making it easier to digest.

Verdict: clean and crisp, this was the lightest oil of the three in texture and flavour.