Thursday, September 10, 2009

Review and Giveaway: Tropical Traditions Gold Label Organic Virgin Coconut Oil CLOSED




As I've mentioned before, I'm no Rachael Ray in the kitchen. When I do get motivated to cook, I rely on the same go-to meals with the same 'ole ingredients. You see, my husband is conservative and it's hard for him to deviate from the traditional and try something new.

So, when I received an opportunity to review Tropical Traditions' Gold Label Organic Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO), I wasn't sure how it would go over. Extra virgin olive oil is a staple in our kitchen and I knew it would be a struggle to convince my dear husband to experiment with a substitute.

To be frank, before this review, the only thing I knew about VCO was that it was derived from coconut and was therefore, edible. I had no idea what it really was or what to do with a quart of it. Thankfully, along with my VCO, I also received the book Virgin Coconut Oil: How it has changed people's lives, and how it can change yours! by Brian and Marianita Jader Shilhavy. The book explains in great detail how coconut oil is made, as well as its characteristics and health benefits. The public has been misled about coconut oil in general and the book really aims to educate and set the record straight. It includes more than 100 personal testimonies about how VCO has improved their health in addition to research discoveries.

The book also includes more than 85 recipes for a coconut diet, ranging from predictable desserts like coconut cream cheese squares or coconut smoothies to pleasant surprises like creamed corn and beef stroganoff. The Tropical Traditions website also has user-submitted recipes you can try out for yourself.

I had no idea that VCO was so versatile! Not only can you cook with and ingest it but you can apply it externally to condition your hair and scalp, protect your legs from shaving nicks or even out your facial skin tone. You can do virtually anything with it!

But what makes the Tropical Traditions brand so special? Tropical Traditions is a family-owned company that is committed to producing high-quality, organic products. They offer organic food, skin care products, household goods and even pet products. Their trademark product, however, is their Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil.
This Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is a truly unrefined coconut oil. This coconut oil is made on Mt. Banahaw and surrounding areas from organic coconuts. Coconuts are used fresh (within 24-48 hours of harvest) from small family farms on Mt. Banahaw and other rural places in Quezon Province, the coconut capital of the Philippines. Only the highest quality coconuts are hand-picked from each harvest.

We do NOT mass produce this oil. It is made by families who are coconut farmers using old-fashioned traditional methods that have been used in the Philippines for hundreds of years. Our coconut trees and family producers are certified organic according to strict USDA standards. This high-grade Virgin Coconut Oil has a long shelf life due to the high antioxidant properties. The Gold Label standard is our highest standard for Virgin Coconut Oil.
If you have a few minutes, you should check out this fascinating video on the production process of the Gold Label VCO:



When I first opened my jar of VCO, I expected a strong coconut aroma but it was very light and reminiscent of coconut cream pie. Yum squared! Since the melting point of VCO is 76 degrees, it arrived as a solid, buttery consistency. It was no problem to scoop out and I just nuked it in the microwave for 30 seconds to melt it down to oil form.

I decided to first use my VCO to make some delicious body scrubs. A simple Internet search yielded tons of recipes so I could develop my own concoctions.

Vanilla Coconut Sugar Scrub

1/2 cup turbinado/raw sugar
1/4 cup virgin coconut oil
2 tbsp honey
drop of vanilla extract

I wanted a thicker, more exfoliant texture for this scrub to use on my poor, neglected tootsies. Of course, you can add more oil and less sugar and honey for a thinner consistency if you so desire.



Coconut Latte Sugar Scrub

1/3 cup ground coffee
1/3 cup turbinado/raw sugar
1/4 cup virgin coconut oil

I wanted a finer coffee-based body scrub to invigorate me in the morning. I think I added a bit too much coffee and will probably reduce next time but it still turned out okay. It's kind of hard to mess it up! Just be sure to rinse completely so the coffee doesn't stain.



Both scrubs left my body feeling amazingly soft. Not to mention they smelled (and tasted) fantastic. Yes, I snuck a taste - I couldn't resist! I could spend $30 or more on organic body scrubs at a boutique but now I can make them from the comfort of my own home! And what a wonderful gift idea just in time for the holidays! I used some glass canning jars but you could design a gift tag, attach with a pretty ribbon and voila! You can purchase some essential oils and make just about any flavor or scent under the sun. The possibilities are endless.

I also used my VCO as a base to our stir fry tonight and it turned out great! It added just a tiny hint of sweetness to the noodles but didn't really taste of coconut. It just brought out an excellent flavor in the dish.

Bottom line: I highly recommend Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil as a cooking aid or as an element to homemade beauty products. It's healthy and versatile, not to mention you support small business owners and farmers with your purchase.

BUY IT: You can purchase Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil directly from the Tropical Traditions website (ARV $37.50).

DELECTABLE DEAL: When you place your order, make sure you choose "referred by friend" from the "How did you hear about us?" drop-down box and reference ID 5429861 to receive a complimentary copy of the book Virgin Coconut Oil: How it has changed people's lives, and how it can change yours! by Brian and Marianita Jader Shilhavy!

WIN IT: Tropical Traditions has kindly offered one lucky reader their very own quart of Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Visit the Tropical Traditions website, take a look around, and let me know what other product besides the coconut oil interests you. Piece of cake. Be sure to leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile or if you are not a blogger!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count!

1.) Follow my blog or subscribe via reader or email. Comment telling me which method you chose. If you already follow or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry)

2.) Follow me and @troptraditions on Twitter and tweet about the contest. You can do this daily! Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry per day max)

3.) Subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter. (5 entries!)

4.) Add my button to your site and comment with a link where I can find it. (1 entry)

5.) Enter any of my other current giveaways and leave a comment telling me which one(s) you entered. (1 entry each)

Giveaway will end on September 25, 2009 at 11:59pm EST. Open to US only. Winner will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: As I mentioned, I was sent a quart of Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil and the aforementioned book from Tropical Traditions to facilitate my candid review. I was in no other way compensated for this post. I was under no obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

183 comments:

sweepmom said...

The Shampoo Bar sounds interesting.

Unbama said...

grass-fed bison

dangotmail AT yahoo DOT com
unbama.blogspot.com

Sue said...

I'd like to try the dish liquid made with coconut oil. Thanks for the giveaway!

Katmagick said...

I would really like to try Bug Arrest -Non-toxic pest management. I would really like to find an eco-friendly bug spray since I live in the mountains surrounded by trees. Thaere are lots of creepy crawlies out here.

Katmagick said...

Tropical Traditions Email subscriber #1

Katmagick said...

Tropical Traditions Email subscriber #2

Katmagick said...

Tropical Traditions Email subscriber #3

Katmagick said...

Tropical Traditions Email subscriber #4

Katmagick said...

Tropical Traditions Email subscriber #5

Katmagick said...

Following you and tropical traditions on twitter
Tweet
http://twitter.com/katmagick/statuses/3918293201

Brn2lisn said...

I'd like to try the raw honey

brn2lisn(at)gmail(dot)com

mverno said...

the moisturizing cream mverno@roadrunner.com

llinda29 said...

Pastured Organic Raw Pet Food is interesting

BowieTip said...

I'd like to experiment with the coconut oil based dish soap.

Unknown said...

the wonderful raw honey !! thanks for this opp

Katmagick said...

http://twitter.com/katmagick/statuses/3936449322

clc408 said...

Every single one of the Organic Peanut Butters sound delicious. Thanks!

Michele said...

Thank you for the giveaway. I'd love to try the organic honey.

Michele said...

I am a tropical traditions subscriber!

#1

Michele said...

I am a tropical traditions subscriber!

#2

Michele said...

I am a tropical traditions subscriber!

#3

Michele said...

I am a tropical traditions subscriber!

#4

Michele said...

I am a tropical traditions subscriber!

#5

Katmagick said...

http://twitter.com/katmagick/statuses/3956149127

theprfktangel said...

the baby silk moisturizer interests me!
email in blogger profile

theprfktangel said...

i subscribe to the tropical traditions newsletter

theprfktangel said...

i subscribe to your feed!

theprfktangel said...

I also entered the Eau Flirt giveaway

cstironkat said...

I would like the Unscented Moisturizing Lotion. Thank you.

debbid said...

Debbi R

I would be interested in the Pastured Organic Chickens

Katmagick said...

http://twitter.com/katmagick/statuses/3986694249

Anonymous said...

I'd also love to get the pet shampoo for my dog.

hebert024 at aoldot com

Katmagick said...

http://twitter.com/katmagick/statuses/4014078078

rosannepm said...

I like the Organic Rapunzel Swiss chocolate
rosans4@comcast.net

rosannepm said...

Follow on Google publicly-rosannepm
rosans4@comcast.net

rosannepm said...

Subscribe to Tropical Traditions newsletter #1
rosans4@comcast.net

rosannepm said...

Subscribe to Tropical Traditions newsletter #2
rosans4@comcast.net

rosannepm said...

Subscribe to Tropical Traditions newsletter #3
rosans4@comcast.net

rosannepm said...

Subscribe to Tropical Traditions newsletter #4
rosans4@comcast.net

rosannepm said...

Subscribe to Tropical Traditions newsletter #5
rosans4@comcast.net

Bonita12 said...

I'm interest in the lotions and the lip moisturizer.

Bonita12 said...

I subscribed to the Tropical Traditions newsletter #1.

Bonita12 said...

I subscribed to the Tropical Traditions newsletter #2.

Bonita12 said...

I subscribed to the Tropical Traditions newsletter #5.

Bonita12 said...

I subscribed to the Tropical Traditions newsletter #3.

Bonita12 said...

I subscribed to the Tropical Traditions newsletter #4.

Bonita12 said...

I entered the Ageless giveaway.

Katmagick said...

http://twitter.com/katmagick/statuses/4036878790

Katmagick said...

I entered your Harry Prince Giveaway

Katmagick said...

http://twitter.com/katmagick/statuses/4053591738

Smooshy said...

i like the bug arrest!

Katmagick said...

http://twitter.com/katmagick/statuses/4081173277

Katmagick said...

9/19/09 tweet
http://twitter.com/katmagick/statuses/4111122476

janetfaye said...

I am interested in the Benefect® Botanical Disinfectant.

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

janetfaye said...

Email subscribed.

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

The Wehrungs said...

I would like some raw honey. they have lots of great products!!

thewehrungs@yahoo.com

Katmagick said...

http://twitter.com/katmagick/statuses/4129642036

lisa said...

I would really love to try the Wild Hiziki. msmith572@yahoo.com

lisa said...

I Subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter. msmith572@yahoo.com entry 1

lisa said...

I Subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter. msmith572@yahoo.com entry 2

lisa said...

I Subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter. msmith572@yahoo.com entry 3

lisa said...

I Subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter. msmith572@yahoo.com entry 4

lisa said...

I Subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter. msmith572@yahoo.com entry 5

lisa said...

I entered ageless giveaway. msmith572@yahoo.com

lisa said...

I entered Eau Flirt giveaway. msmith572@yahoo.com

lisa said...

I entered Sprout Baby. msmith572@yahoo.com

lisa said...

I entered Frubi Shades. msmith572@yahoo.com

lisa said...

I entered CVS Photobook. msmith572@yahoo.com

CJW's folks said...

The organic teeth cleaners, as I've got a flouride allergy.
Thanks!

lisa said...

I follow you and Tropical Traditions on twitter(samasam). Tweet: http://twitter.com/samasam/status/4130537278
msmith572@yahoo.com

Katmagick said...

http://twitter.com/katmagick/statuses/4146349854

Katmagick said...

Entered Eau Flirt Giveaway

Katmagick said...

Entered Ageless Giveaway

lisa said...

Daily tweet: http://twitter.com/samasam/status/4150179702
msmith572@yahoo.com

Melissa G said...

I'd also like to try their natural soaps.

missylovsjesus at yahoo dot com

Melissa G said...

I subscribe in google reader

missylovsjesus at yahoo dot com

Melissa G said...

I entered your CVS Photo book giveaway


missylovsjesus at yahoo dot com

Melissa G said...

I entered your kid sunglasses give away

missylovsjesus at yahoo dot com

wantsandwishes said...

I am interested in this olive oil: 17 oz. tinted glass jar
First Cold-Pressed

Sarah Z said...

Would love to try the unrefined organic sesame oil!
Thanks
Sarah
believedreamcourage (at) gmail.com

Pamela S said...

I would also like to try the Organic Fruit Spreads, especially the blackberry, but I'm most excited about the Coconut Oil!! Thanks so much!
pamelashockley(AT)netscape(DOT)net

Pamela S said...

I'm a follower on GFC. Thanks so much!
pamelashockley(AT)netscape(DOT)net

Pamela S said...

I also entered the Eau Flirt contest. Thanks so much!
pamelashockley(AT)netscape(DOT)net

Pamela S said...

I also entered the Ageless contest. Thanks so much!
pamelashockley(AT)netscape(DOT)net

ky2here said...

No question here - Organic Rapunzel Swiss chocolate.

Katmagick said...

http://twitter.com/katmagick/statuses/4173243227

lisa said...

Daily tweet: http://twitter.com/samasam/status/4176134061
msmith572@yahoo.com

Mary A said...

I am very interested in trying the Coconut Flakes. Thanks for the giveaway.
maryDOTavingerATgmailDOTcom

heaventrees said...

I would like to try the Forbidden Rice from VCO.

heaventrees said...

I am a subscriber to the Tropical Traditions newsletter.

Katmagick said...

http://twitter.com/katmagick/statuses/4316561938

lisa said...

Daily tweet: http://twitter.com/samasam/status/4319199733
msmith572@yahoo.com

demmi said...

the shampoo bar con5459(at)gmail(dot)com

Janette said...

I'd love to try the organic forbidden rice!

Janette said...

subscribed via email

Janette said...

following both on Twitter (@jsoldham), tweet: http://twitter.com/jsoldham/status/4337557487

Janette said...

Subscribe to Tropical Traditions newsletter 1

Janette said...

Subscribe to Tropical Traditions newsletter 2

Janette said...

Subscribe to Tropical Traditions newsletter 3

Janette said...

Subscribe to Tropical Traditions newsletter 4

Janette said...

Subscribe to Tropical Traditions newsletter 5

Katmagick said...

http://twitter.com/katmagick/statuses/4340268475

lisa said...

Daily tweet: http://twitter.com/samasam/status/4343589069
msmith572@yahoo.com

bkwrms said...

I would love to try the Lavender Coconut Bar Soap.

bkwrms said...

I subscribe via email

bkwrms said...

I follow both on Twitter and I Tweeted

http://twitter.com/Earth_Creature/status/4346892667

bkwrms said...

I subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter.

Carol EL said...

Pastured Organic Raw Pet Food is my choice. jelly15301@gmail.com

Carol EL said...

Blog follower. jelly15301@gmail.com

Carol EL said...

I subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter. #1. jelly15301@gmail.com

Carol EL said...

I subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter. #2. jelly15301@gmail.com

Carol EL said...

I subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter. #3. jelly15301@gmail.com

Carol EL said...

I subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter. #4. jelly15301@gmail.com

Carol EL said...

I subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter. #5. jelly15301@gmail.com

AICORP said...

I like the Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Jessilyn82 said...

I'd love to try the raw honey, I've never tried it before and this one looks great!

Jessilyn82 said...

I follow you both on Twitter as Jessilyn82 and tweeted http://twitter.com/Jessilyn82/status/4365838122

Jessilyn82 said...

I subscribe to the TT newsletter #1
jessibear19(at)aol(dot)com

Jessilyn82 said...

I subscribe to the TT newsletter #2
jessibear19(at)aol(dot)com

Jessilyn82 said...

I subscribe to the TT newsletter #3
jessibear19(at)aol(dot)com

Jessilyn82 said...

I subscribe to the TT newsletter #4
jessibear19(at)aol(dot)com

Jessilyn82 said...

I subscribe to the TT newsletter #5
jessibear19(at)aol(dot)com

Jessilyn82 said...

Also entered the Frubi Shades giveaway

Jessilyn82 said...

Entered the CVS Photobook giveaway

Jessilyn82 said...

Entered the LJBW Cloth Block giveaway

lisa said...

Final tweet: http://twitter.com/samasam/status/4368782981
msmith572@yahoo.com

lisa said...

I entered the LJBW Cloth Block Giveaway. msmith572@yahoo.com

Pamela S said...

I'm subscribed to the Tropical Traditions newsletter (orig entry 9/22) #1

Thanks so much!
pamelashockley(AT)netscape(DOT)net

Pamela S said...

I'm subscribed to the Tropical Traditions newsletter (orig entry 9/22) #2

Thanks so much!
pamelashockley(AT)netscape(DOT)net

Pamela S said...

I'm subscribed to the Tropical Traditions newsletter (orig entry 9/22) #3

Thanks so much!
pamelashockley(AT)netscape(DOT)net

Pamela S said...

I'm subscribed to the Tropical Traditions newsletter (mandatory entry 9/22) #4

Thanks so much!
pamelashockley(AT)netscape(DOT)net

Pamela S said...

I'm subscribed to the Tropical Traditions newsletter (mandatory entry 9/22) #5

Thanks so much!
pamelashockley(AT)netscape(DOT)net

Vicky C. said...

There are sooo many things on the Tropical traditions site that I would love to have! One is the Coconut Cream Concentrate to make my sweet potato casserole! Yum!
t42vek20 at gmail dot com

Vicky C. said...

http://twitter.com/t42vek20/status/4369973455
I tweeted and am following you and Tropical Tradions on Twitter.

checkers said...

Organic Apple Sauce
skyskyaa11(at)gmail.com

checkers said...

Following as checkers

checkers said...

Follow you and troptraditions on Twitter and tweet also.
http://twitter.com/checkkers/status/4370179016

Vicky C. said...

http://t42vek20.blogspot.com/ I added your button to my blog and commented.

checkers said...

Subscribed to the Tropical Traditions newsletter. #1

checkers said...

Subscribed to the Tropical Traditions newsletter. #2

checkers said...

Subscribed to the Tropical Traditions newsletter. #3

checkers said...

Subscribed to the Tropical Traditions newsletter. #4

checkers said...

Subscribed to the Tropical Traditions newsletter. #5

Vicky C. said...

Subscribed to the Tropical Traditions newsletter. #1
t42vek20 at gmail dot com

Vicky C. said...

Subscribed to the Tropical Traditions newsletter. #2
t42vek20 at gmail dot com

Vicky C. said...

Subscribed to the Tropical Traditions newsletter. #3
t42vek20 at gmail dot com

Vicky C. said...

Subscribed to the Tropical Traditions newsletter. #4
t42vek20 at gmail dot com

Vicky C. said...

Subscribed to the Tropical Traditions newsletter. #5
t42vek20 at gmail dot com

Vicky C. said...

I follow your blog with Google.
t42vek20

Amanda S. said...

I'd also like to try their Bug Arrest.

Katmagick said...

http://twitter.com/katmagick/statuses/4373633907

Kathy P said...

ID LOVE TO TRY THE Organic Skin Exfoliators

Kathy P said...

http://twitter.com/klp1965/status/4377526700

Kathy P said...

1 subscribe to tt newsletter klp1965@myfairpoint.net

Kathy P said...

2 subscribe to tt newsletter klp1965@myfairpoint.net

Kathy P said...

3 subscribe to tt newsletter klp1965@myfairpoint.net

Kathy P said...

4 subscribe to tt newsletter klp1965@myfairpoint.net

Kathy P said...

5 subscribe to tt newsletter klp1965@myfairpoint.net

Dawn Reid said...

The Organic Peanut Butters sound good. Thanks

cman said...

Organic Rapunzel Swiss chocolate :)

karen4322 said...

Love the natural soaps and shampoos. Thank you for the chance to win.

Gloria's Bits and Pieces said...

I would love to try the Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

kngmckellar@hotmail.com

Gloria's Bits and Pieces said...

follow blog as kngmckellar

kngmckellar@hotmail.com

Gloria's Bits and Pieces said...

http://twitter.com/kngmckellar/status/4379993938

follow both on twitter as kngmckellar and tweeted
kngmckellar@hotmail.com

Gloria's Bits and Pieces said...

subscribe to Tropical Traditions newsletter

#1

kngmckellar@hotmail.com

Gloria's Bits and Pieces said...

subscribe to Tropical Traditions newsletter

#2

kngmckellar@hotmail.com

Gloria's Bits and Pieces said...

subscribe to Tropical Traditions newsletter

#3

kngmckellar@hotmail.com

Gloria's Bits and Pieces said...

subscribe to Tropical Traditions newsletter

#4

kngmckellar@hotmail.com

Gloria's Bits and Pieces said...

subscribe to Tropical Traditions newsletter

#5

kngmckellar@hotmail.com

Nancy S. said...

I'd like the Organic Shredded Coconut.
ncschools at yahoo dot com

Nancy S. said...

I subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter.
Entry #1
ncschools at yahoo dot com

Nancy S. said...

I subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter.
Entry #2
ncschools at yahoo dot com

Nancy S. said...

I subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter.
Entry #3
ncschools at yahoo dot com

Nancy S. said...

I subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter.
Entry #4
ncschools at yahoo dot com

Nancy S. said...

I subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter.
Entry #5
ncschools at yahoo dot com

Nancy S. said...

I follow you and Tropical Traditions on twitter and I tweeted.
http://twitter.com/ncschools/status/4384181519
ncschools at yahoo dot com

Liz D said...

I'd like to try their organic lotions

Donna said...

I would like the Organic Shredded Coconut
donna444444@yahoo.com

Donna said...

I subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter.
donna444444@yahoo.com

Donna said...

2.I subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter.
donna444444@yahoo.com

Donna said...

3.I subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter.
donna444444@yahoo.com

Donna said...

4.I subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter.
donna444444@yahoo.com

Donna said...

5.I subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter.
donna444444@yahoo.com

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