Palm Oil

Palm oil is the most widely-used vegetable oil in the world. It is squeezed from the fruits of the oil palm tree (Elaeis Guineensis). Oil palm trees grow in regions around the equator. The oil palm is a tropical tree with leaves about 5 meters long. What the tree loves above all, is sun and humidity. It thrives on plenty of sunshine, temperatures ranging between 24 and 32 degrees centigrade and rainfall evenly distributed throughout the year.

How is palm oil used?

Some of the uses of palm oil include:

Food

Palm oil is widely used in food production due to its versatility, stability, and affordability. It's a key ingredient in various products, including:

Baked goods
Snacks
Margarine

Palm oil is also used for frying, and its high smoke point makes it suitable for high-heat cooking. It is also used in African traditional dishes.

Explore African dishes made with palm oil

Industrial

Palm oil serves as a key ingredient in oleochemicals, cosmetics, biofuels, and even pharmaceuticals. Palm oil's derivatives are used in the production of:

Soaps
Detergents
Lubricants
Synthetic
Fibers

Bioenergy

Palm oil can be converted into biofuels like biodiesel and bioethanol, offering alternatives to fossil fuels.