Palm nut oil, also known as palm oil, is a type of edible vegetable oil derived from the fruit of oil palm trees (Elaeis guineensis). There are two main types of oil that can be extracted from this fruit.
Types of Palm Oil
| Type | Source |
|---|---|
| Crude Palm Oil | Squeezing the fleshy fruit |
| Palm Kernel Oil | Crushing the kernel (stone) in the fruit |
Crude Palm Oil
- This oil is extracted by squeezing the fleshy, reddish pulp of the palm fruit.
- It is commonly used in cooking and various industrial applications.
Palm Kernel Oil
- This oil comes from the kernel, or the hard seed, found in the center of the palm fruit.
- It differs in composition and usage compared to crude palm oil.
Production Process
- Harvesting: Mature fruit bunches are harvested from oil palm trees.
- Sterilization: The fruit bunches are sterilized using steam to deactivate enzymes and loosen the fruit.
- Threshing: Fruits are separated from the bunches.
- Digestion: The fruits are mashed into a pulp.
- Extraction:
- Crude Palm Oil: The pulp is pressed to extract the oil.
- Palm Kernel Oil: The kernels are separated, dried, and then crushed to extract the oil.
- Clarification: The extracted oils are purified to remove impurities.
- Refining: Further processing may occur to refine the oil for specific uses.
Uses of Palm Oil
- Cooking: Widely used as a cooking oil in many parts of the world.
- Food Products: An ingredient in processed foods like margarine, chocolate, and baked goods.
- Personal Care Products: Used in soaps, cosmetics, and other personal care items.
- Biofuel: Can be converted into biodiesel.
- Industrial Applications: Used as a lubricant and in other industrial processes.
