Palm oil production is relatively straightforward, involving processing the fruit of the oil palm tree (Elaeis guineensis). Here's a simplified explanation:
Understanding the Source
The oil palm tree produces fruit that contains two different oils:
- Crude Palm Oil: Extracted from the fleshy part of the fruit.
- Palm Kernel Oil: Extracted from the kernel, or seed, found in the center of the fruit.
The Extraction Process
Crude Palm Oil Production
- Harvesting: Ripe fruit bunches are harvested from the oil palm trees.
- Sterilization: The fruit bunches are sterilized using steam to prevent enzyme activity and loosen the fruits from the bunch.
- Stripping: The sterilized fruits are stripped from the bunch.
- Digestion: The loose fruits are mashed into a pulp.
- Pressing: The pulp is pressed to extract the crude palm oil.
- Clarification: The crude oil is purified by removing water and other impurities.
Palm Kernel Oil Production
- Separation: The kernels are separated from the fibrous material after the pressing step for crude palm oil.
- Crushing: The kernels are crushed or flaked.
- Extraction: Oil is extracted from the crushed kernels through pressing or solvent extraction.
Simplified Overview
| Oil Type | Source | Extraction Method |
|---|---|---|
| Crude Palm Oil | Fleshy part of fruit | Pressing after sterilization, stripping, and digestion |
| Palm Kernel Oil | Kernel (seed) of fruit | Crushing and pressing or solvent extraction |
In short, palm oil production involves harvesting fruits from the oil palm tree, separating the oil from the fruit, and purifying it. Whether it's the fleshy part or the kernel, the process ultimately leads to the production of usable palm oil.
