The family that produces most of the oil for us make it here!
Shredding the Coconut
This is by far the most difficult part of the whole process. One definitely needs a good massage using the awesome coconut oil produced after a hard day of work.
I am currently researching ways to make this process easier. One requirement is it cannot require the use of electricity and is portable because most of the families we work with do not have electricity!
Pressing the shredded coconuts
THIS IS WHAT WE MEAN BY HAND PRESSED!!!
Preparing the shredded Coconut to soak for several hours.
Family Home of main supplier of our Coconut Oil
We are working very closely with this family having a goal of making a new home closer to the road sometime next year. This will enable them to continue growing their business and have electricity for the first time! The purchase of our Coconut oil improves the lives of many families that produce the oil!
Multiple kids from extended family that make oil for us. They are shown here showing off their new handmade wrist bracelets I gave them!
Water Catchment...Their only fresh water source
Members of two families that make our oil!
Grama about to make oil!
Making the Journey
A full day of travel(21- 30 hours) from San Juan del Sur to Pearl Lagoon.
The last 7 hours is by bus or truck to where the oil is made.
Another route at the end of the pavement is to go on a couple different boats for several hours and then an hour by bus.
Seven hours by bus and or truck on a dirt road like this...
and all of the locals have told me how the road has improved!
Bus broke down about 12 kilometers before getting back to pavement.
Ended up hitchiking with several 5 gallon buckets of oil to reach El Rama. Arrived 11 minutes prior to the last bus of the day was leaving!
Small village where several families make oil for us