Kerala is known as God’s Own Country for a reason. The very land—blessed by life-giving rains and rich, fertile soil—bestows gifts upon its people, much like the abundant blessings of the divine power. And where there is harmony between land and its people, there are deep-rooted traditions and practices.

Preparing Ventha Velichenna is one among them.

In many parts of the state, large families still live together—some four generations of people under a roof. Ask the matriarch—the great-grandmother—about Ventha Velichenna, and she will tell you, misty-eyed, that her grandmother used to make the oil. She was given the oil to consume each time she conceived, in the belief that the oil would stabilize the size of the life growing within her, ultimately leading to a relatively comfortable delivery.

There’s more. She will tell you that all her children were given the oil to be applied on themselves, as well as to consume in small quantities.

In the age of production-at-scale, technology-first efficiencies and instant gratification, the intricate art and laborious process of crafting Ventha Velichenna is at a risk of fading, and fast.

That is why we hold onto the age-old wisdom of our land, the generational trust in an heirloom recipe, and the oil itself—an epitome of the patient and nurturing love of our mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers.

The intricate process results in a pure, hot-processed virgin coconut oil unlike any other—light and golden hued, with a distinct yet mild flavour, and the subtle, nutty aroma of coconuts. The latter is our favourite, reminiscent of childhood spent on the farm.

Pure hot-processed virgin coconut oil is loaded with natural goodness. Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, Ayurvedic experts say that the lauric acid content in this oil is second only to breast milk.

Its properties make the oil an all-rounder, and an essential household item—be it in your kitchen, diaper bag or vanity kit.

• Ventha Velichenna can be added to baby food and/or consumed by breastfeeding mothers to help develop immunity, and aid in the overall development of their little one
• The gentle and safe oil makes for a great skincare and haircare oil for babies and adults alike. Its non-sticky and non-staining properties only elevate its standing on the dressing table
• Regular ingestion of pure hot processed virgin coconut oil can help prevent memory loss and delay the onset of Alzheimer's, as testified by experts