The kernel is transported to a kernel mill, which extracts the palm kernel oil. Such a mill is specially built to be able to crush the hard kernel. The crude oil produced at the mills is saved in tanks. From there, it is transported to different refineries around the world.
How palm oil is produced?
In the processing of fresh fruit bunches, palm oil mills produce palm oil mill effluent, empty fruit bunches, and finally, a mixture of kernel, fibers and oils. All of these elements eventually serve a purpose. But for palm oil, the fruit bunches are the most important element. A next step in this journey is producing the oil.
Which countries produce palm oil?
Indonesia and Malaysia are by far the largest palm oil producing nations. Together they account for 85-90 percent of the total production of this vegetable oil. Other important producing countries are Colombia, Nigeria and Thailand. The palm oil journey begins in producing countries where oil palms are planted.
What factors determine the quality of palm oil bunches?
The ripeness of the oil palm fruit is one of the most important factors that determines the quality of the bunches. In the processing of fresh fruit bunches, palm oil mills produce palm oil mill effluent, empty fruit bunches, and finally, a mixture of kernel, fibers and oils. All of these elements eventually serve a purpose.