Oils & Fats

The majority of traded oleiferous fruits originate from the tropics and subtropics, including the oil of the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera), which is known here as the vegetable fat shortening Palmin©. Important exporting countries are the Philippines, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. The palm is also called “tree of life” in Asia. All plant parts are usable. The coconut allegedly has as many possible uses as days of the year. We know of palm sugar, palm wine, matting, ropes, rugs and many more.

The cultivation of oil palms (Elaeis guineensis) has significantly increased since the invention of margarine in 1869. Since palm oil also serves in generating electricity and is used in many supermarket products, its growing areas are also expanding, resulting in the deforestation of rainforests in Brazil, Indonesia and Malaysia.

They bear 20 kg bundles with up to 4,000 egg-shaped fruits. The fat is found in the flesh and seeds of the fruit. It is the cheapest oil on the world market. We use predominately inedible fats and oils for fuel, cosmetics, dyes, soaps and lubricants. The seeds from many tropical annual plants are also fatty. Have you discovered the peanuts yet?