forum.manleypopcornmachine.com

A lot of “professional poppers” seem to prefer the Paragon Coconut Popcorn Popping Oil, available on Amazon.com at $27.99/gallon ($0.219/oz), free shipping. Not a bad price. I had good results with this coconut oil, on all types of corn. Here is the catch… this oil has a yellow color from added beta-caroteen, which I think is harmless, but in my determination, adds absolutely nothing to the flavor. Also, after much Internet research (you can thank me now), I have also determined that this coconut oil is probably refined. I can tell by the smooth texture, by the fact that it has absolutely no flavor or scent, and by the fact that it is not labeled Virgin or Unrefined. However there does not seem to be consistent labeling standards in the coconut oil industry. Importantly, it seems there are certain “refining” processes that remove the coconut flavor and odor. Some involve steaming, and some involve solvents, neither desirable in my opinion. In contrast, I discovered some coconut oils are Virgin or unrefined. Basically the oil is physically separated from the water in the coconut, put in a jar pure white, and that’s it. Some expensive brands are available on Amazon.com with mixed reviews and I have not tried. The best deal I found however, and what I did try, was Trader Joe’s Virgin Organic Coconut Oil at $5.99/ 16 oz jar ($0.375/oz), and is also available on Amazon. So almost double the price of the Paragon, BUT WORTH IT. I also liked a brand at Sprout’s Market, but was only a 14 oz jar and more expensive, and I neglected to document exactly what it was. Here is the takeaway, and the single most important piece of advice I can give you in popping good corn: FIND VIRGIN UNREFINED COCONUT OIL, WHICH HAS THE TASTE AND SCENT OF COCONUTS, FOR THE MOST DELICIOUS POPCORN YOU WILL EVER HAVE. DELICIOUS. In my opinion. You must try it. I actually prefer the snow white color of the white corn cooked in white coconut oil with white salt. Unless you must have theatre style yellow popcorn, try it this way. Next posts: salt and buttery toppings.

Marcus you might want to visit one of your local concession dealers instead of dealing with Amazon. Here in Atlanta we have concession suppliers who have a huge array of oils, toppings, bags and salts available. I found the prices locally cheaper than on line.

Costco has 78 oz jars of Nutiva virgin coconut oil for $21.99. Lowest price I have seen.