Iodine Values at the Equator

[Guest guest]

K S Rao,

I read your question re: IV values and I myself have wondered if there is any

known correlation between the growing region, specifically distance from the

equator, and the IV of coconut oil.

I know that when we suspect adulteration of the oil, we will have an IV test

done, expecting the value to be in the range of 7.5 - 10. Not being chemists,

we were told this is the identity of coconut oil. The higher the value the more

liquid the oil at a certain temperature.

However, we have had virgin coconut oil from Sumatra where the IV values were

stated to be in the 4 range, with typical values stated to be in the 4 - 7.5

range.

Since the oil was of good quality and shelf life, we had no reason to test

independently.

Colder climates can yield higher Omega 3 fatty acids in certain species like

flaxseed or salmon, which would function somewhat like an antifreeze for the

plant or animal.

So, could it be that the coconuts grown at the equator would be more saturated

and therefore have a lower IV? Unless there is a different test method there.

I have seen marketing of Philippine coconut oil grown around the 15 N latitude

claiming it had virtually no polyunsaturated oil. What do you make of these

types of claims ?

Thanks

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