palm kernel--basic question

[jackie2000]

If you see a recipe with palm kernel oil, would the same weight of palm kernel flakes be the same thing? I'm thinking it's the same, just in diff form but wanted to double check.

 

[dieSpinne]

from what I understand, they are interchangeable... just run the new version through a SAP calculator like the one at http://www.soapcalc.net .

 

[carebear]

yes, pretty much the same thing. i believe the flakes are hydrogenated to make them harder, but I'm not sure about that.

 

[Dennis]

Is there any advantage to using one or the other? Disadvantages?

 

[carebear]

oh yes indeedy - palm kernel flakes are easier to handle and measure out (solid palm kernel is a pain as it's very solid).

 

[BakingNana]

Amen to what carebear said. If you ever tried the solid PKO, it would probably be the last time. If you have a choice, go with flakes! JMHO.

 

[Dennis]

Thanks. Learn a little here, a little there...

 

[Soapy Gurl]

Chipping palm kernel out of a bucket is a miserable experience! Not everywhere carries the flakes, but once you deal with the regular stuff, you will be looking for flakes!

 

[Dennis]

I've never used PKO. Is this something I should try? What am I missing?

 

[debbism]

Chipping palm kernel out of a bucket is a miserable experience! Not everywhere carries the flakes, but once you deal with the regular stuff, you will be looking for flakes!

I've never had a problem with the "special" tool I use. This sucker will go thru rock hard PKO like butter. No problems

 

[Dennis]

Now that is a special tool. Very nice.

 

[IrishLass]

I've never used PKO. Is this something I should try? What am I missing?

It's one of the high cleansing/high sudsing oils, like coconut oil and babassu oil, but a little bit less cleasnsing/drying. I like to use it in conjunction with coconut oil in some of my soap formulas.

IrishLass

 

[Dennis]

I'll try it as soon as my babassu is gone.

 

[BakingNana]

Good grief, debbism. I'd cut my hand off with that thing! Looks positive lethal. I can't even take a cap off of an Exacto without slicing a finger.

@Dennis - I have a customer who is allergic to coconut oil and wants me to use PKO for her soaps. That's really the only reason I have it. It is supposed to be a little milder than coconut, but I honestly can't tell the difference. The prices of the two are pretty much the same. The PKO I have in stock now is 6/10 of a cent higher than the coconut per ounce. PKO flakes are a lot less messy to weight out than coconut, tho!

 

[heyjude]

Flakes are great and that knife is seriously scary.

 

[honor435]

that IS some tool, do you really use it for cutting pk?
I like pk, just use it in place of your co or do 1/2 and 1/2.

 

[Dennis]

PKO flakes are a lot less messy to weight out than coconut, tho!

Ease of use, no better reason.

 

[debbism]

that IS some tool, do you really use it for cutting pk?

The knife was a birthday gift (Ren Faire Style) - I use it to hack into solid PKO, Mango butter as well as cutting open the gallon jugs they come in.

The handle is great for breaking up ice (when the bags end up becoming a solid hunk).

It looks scary but is really easy to handle. Now the hubby's knife....well...THAT is scary. I won't use his EVER

 

[Soapy Gurl]

debbism, that is why I couldn't cut it! I had a crappy little butter knife! Yours is awesome, you go girl.