Subsitutes for Flax and coconut oil question

[Juicyfruit]

I was getting the ingredients yesterday to make the pizza bread and I noticed that there was oat bran and Wheat germ in the same section. I wonder how these would work as a filler? I made the pizza bread and I do NOT like the taste of the flax. I was really dissapointed. Also, I have some coconut oil and the taste is too flowery almost bitter. Is it true that some really taste like butter? Mine has a strange taste. I don't like it at all. It's in a black container and it says virgin coconut oil, unheated. I saw the thread with the coconut oil recommened and they carry that at my local health food store. I just don't want to go buy another jar if they all taste the same since it's so expensive. Tia!

[Rawkinlocs]

Oat bran and wheat germ (far as I know) aren't raw.

The flax is generally used in most recipes as a binder and not necessarily a filler. It has that "goopiness" that binds crackers and breads almost like what eggs do for things you make with those (which is why some vegan cooked recipes will have you use flax as an egg replacer).

Do you think that with all the other ingredients mixed in that you might still actually taste the flax? I kinda doubt it, but then again, everyone's tastebuds are different and perhaps yours are more sensitive than mine.

Now with the coconut oil, they don't all taste the same and I wouldn't say that they taste like butter straight out of the jar, but for "me", once I add a little of it to let's say my raw oatmeal or my cookies along with a little sea salt, the flavor is buttery to me. What brand do you have? Is it Omega Nutriton? The container you described sounds like the one I have as mine is also black. But it tastes good to me...not like butter (until I add it to something with that sea salt) but it tastes like coconut. Also, did you check the date on the container?

But also bear in mind that with raw, MANY things are an acquired taste, especially once coming off of a SAD (standard american diet)...your tastebuds are continually changing and adjusting and some things you find you don't like at first, you end up liking or even loving later on.

But not all coconut oils are created equally..some taste good to me while others I don't care for (I didn't like the NOW brand, but Karenisraw loves it). The one Alissa sells on her website is a really good one IMO! In fact, it's the best I've had to date but the one I have now is very similar in taste to the one she sells.

[Juicyfruit]

Thanks Rawkinlocks! Well, I've been high raw for almost two years and my taste buds are really sensitive. The coconut oil is offensive to me and I can't handle the taste. I am looking for a fat that tastes good to me to add to my sweet dishes to keep my blood sugar level. I try to keep my fat- sugar ratios even. Nuts are getting too rich for me. I love avos but sometimes I just don't feel like eating them.

As for the flax, to me, the taste of flax is overwhelming in the bread. On the package of the Wheat germ it says raw, but it does'nt on the oat bran. I'm just trying to get ideas for things I can use as binders. I'm not that experinced of a cook. If I'm going to go to 100%, which is my goal, I've got to get better!

[jaurequi]

JuicyFruit (cute name; was my favorite chewing gum as a child!)

Have you heard of red palm oil? Now, if you don't like coconut oil, you many not like this because it definitely has a distinct flavor. However, it may be worth a try; or, if, perchance, the occasion arises to sample it, it may be worthwhile. It's actually rather "savory-ish"; but it would work in desserts, no doubt. It would especially do very well in spicy dishes, such as Mexican cuisine, Indian, and Middle Eastern. Anything really, but I think, once you taste it, you'll know what I mean.

Anyway, it is gorgeous to look at. It's dark orange from all the carotenoids. I actually like the flavor, but, again, it would probably be for certain palates.

It is expensive -- the same range as coconut oil; so not exceptionally outrageous, but still a lot, especially if you end up not liking it. It also has the same texture, and is also hard at room temperature; so it substitutes well in place of coconut oil/butter.

It's available at Whole Foods now. Here it is online: Jungle Products, RED PALM OIL (http://www.junglepi.com/products/red_palm.html)

Best, :)