On August 21, 1877, inventor Alexander Ashbourne patented the method to treat coconut oil for domestic use. His process included filtration, bleaching and heating the oil to a very high temperature. The oil is also hydrogenated to ensure that no unsaturated fatty acids are left behind. His process is still used today and has been built upon by food companies worldwide. Thanks to his work, coconut oil is used in hair products, foods and scented products.
Not much is known about Alexander Ashbourne (1820-1915). Aspects of his early life are unknown and undocumented. Ashbourne was born into slavery circa 1820 in Philadelphia. He moved to Oakland, California, in the 1880s to run his own grocery store.