Palm Oil is the largest source of vegetable oil that serves a wide variety of uses in various fields of industry, ranging from cosmetics, health, to commercial cooking. Palm oil is refined in nature as its components solely come from the kernel and flesh of the Palm tree. The Palm extraction process is known to be efficient as the fruit alone produces up to 50% oil. Due to its highly saturated quality, Palm oil appears in semi-solid state at room temperature. Its color ranges from white to off white, whilst pure Palm oil is naturally dark by nature.
We are all aware of the fact that Palm oil is typically used for cooking. You may not be aware of the fact that Palm oil is a highly-versatile that it is being purchased in bulk by large-scale industries and is utilized to serve a wide array of
functions.
Facts about Palm Oil
Here is a more in-depth look at some useful Palm Oil facts that make it one of the most in-demand natural oil products to date:
- Cost-effective oil solution A lot of countries are investing on developing acres upon acres of land for the cultivation of Palm tree which in turn facilitates continuous production of palm oil. Indonesia, Malaysia, and several countries in Africa are known to be some of the largest producers of Palm Oil. Thirty percent of the vegetable oil produced comprise of over 47 million tons of Palm oil. With this said, the palm oil industry is highly competitive. This enables companies from around the world to buy Palm oil at affordable price ranges. The Pam tree’s inherent qualities such as that it can bear fruit all year long contributes to the affordability of Palm oil both for both retail and wholesale markets.
- All-Natural Unlike other vegetable oil sources, palm oil is extracted from the fruit of the Palm Tree. It can be easily cultivated, thus farmers do not find it necessary to utilize more aggressive forms of farming such as methods used for growing genetically-modified organisms. The all-natural quality of Palm oil makes it an in-demand vegetable oil product not only for household use but for manufacturing applications too.
- Biodiesel Ingredient Palm Oil is now being used in many industries as a vital ingredient in the production of biodiesel. Metyl ester is referred to biodiesel sourced from Palm Oil and has undergone the process of transesterification. It is most commonly blended with other types of vegetable oils to create an efficient biodiesel blend.
- Healthy Oil Although Palm Oil is known to contain high levels of saturated fat, studies show that it is still a healthier choice when compared alongside other vegetable oil products. It offers dietary energy like no other and is easily metabolized by our bodies. It contains not only essential fatty acids but is packed with an array of vitamins and minerals too. It contains the highest concentration of tocotrienol which is identified to be a part of the Vitamin E family as well as carotenoids- a crucial Vitamin A precursor. Finally, Palm Oil does not contain cholesterols, thus its steady consumption does not contribute to the development of cardiovascular conditions such as stroke or heart disease.
- Ideal for Use with Cooking and Food Manufacturing Due to the high production of quality Palm Oil, its price is well within the budget of households as well as startup companies. It features a neutral flavor thus it is preferred to be used in wide variety of cooking methods. It is being used for baking pastries, cookies , and crackers and are being utilized by large-scale food manufacturing companies too. Palm Oil has also shown to reduce the risk of consumers to develop heart diseases such as arterial blockages.
- Renewable Source of Energy The organic waste from the production of palm oil may also be used to produce energy. The biomass pellets from post-processing of Palm Oil may be converted into methyl esters to be used as biodiesel that which features similar functions to that if petroleum diesel.
- Environmental Safety In terms of Palm Oil production’s impact on the environment, it is known that Palm Oil-producing countries have successfully enforced regulations on the farming and cultivation of the Palm Trees. Indonesia, one of the largest producers of Palm Oil, has set laws on the proper utilization of land that are used for Palm Oil production. By identifying the lands which may be used for cultivation while at the same time recognizing forest regions that are prohibited to be utilized for Palm Tree growing, the government can ensure sustainability of palm oil products while eliminating problems of pollution and green house gas emissions altogether.
- Palm Oil Uses Palm Oil is not only used for cooking but also for the following applications:
-Cosmetic products manufacturing (skin scrubs and lotions)
-Cold and Hot Process Soapmaking
-Industrial lubricant for machinery
- Storage
Palm Oil is ideally stored in dark spaces at cool room temperature. In the case of long-term storage, experts recommend the removal of air from storage container to successfully delay oxidation and rancidity. Placing Palm Oil in a refrigerator undoubtedly expands its shelf life.
Manufacturers of Palm Oil recommend wholesalers to utilize or sell Palm Oil within one year from date of purchase. The same goes with its shelf life as Palm Oil is only considered to be in excellent condition for the next 12 months from its manufacturing date.
