FACTS ABOUT PALM KERNELS OIL

Palm kernel is among the tropical fruits that are attracting much attention both within and outside the African continent that is why Exporters of Palm Kernel in Nigeria export them to western countries. Although it is a popular fruit especially on the African continent due to its cooking oil, yet many people pay less attention in understanding what this fruit is all about.

Although most people pay minimal attention to palm kernel fruit, yet researchers reveal that this distinctive fruit and its products are of immense benefits to the human race.

Until 1934, Nigeria has the world's largest palm kernel and palm oil industry while in 2011, was recorded the third-largest producer in both large and small scale. The demand for palm oil is rapidly growing since the 1990s and it is currently among the world’s leading vegetable oils. The palm kernel has a thin pericarp with an oily and fleshy monocarp and a thick endocarp, which contains an oily endosperm.

The palm kernel bunches are usually harvested 3 to 4 years after cultivation. The bunches are usually harvested by cutting them off from the tree when the fruits are ripe.  After processing the oil, the pulp is produced into palm kernel cake, which is used as a high-protein feed for feeding chicken, sheep, cattle and for generating light as local lanterns. Palm oil production is expected to increase tremendously by the year 2020 as the world's population increases.

Palm kernel oil is produced from the palm nuts while the red palm oil is usually semi-solid at room temperature and more saturated than palm oil. Palm kernel oil is usually stable at high cooking temperatures and the oil can be preserved longer than other vegetable oils.

PALM KERNEL OIL FACTS 

Palm kernel oil is normally extracted from the palm kernel seeds.

Palm kernel oil is an excellent source of lauric acid, oleic acid and myristic acid.

Palm kernel oil contains approximately 80% saturated fat, which makes it less easy on the arteries.

Palm kernel oil is a yellowish or dark-brown oil extracted from the kernel of palm nuts of palm tree (Elaeis guineensis).

  

BENEFITS OF PALM KERNELS

Palm oil is used for culinary purposes.

Palm kernel undergoes the process of saponification to generate fatty acids and glycerin as a by-product.

Due to the presence of lauric and myristic fatty acids in palm kernel oil, it can thus be used for producing detergents, soaps and washing powders. Lauric acid helps soap to lather so easily.

Palm oil can be used as a lubricant for machines and equipment.