PROCESSING OF PALM OIL LOCALLY IN NIGERIA
The importance of palm oil cannot be overlooked as it is an indispensable agent for cooking Nigerian foods (ditches). Its production requires processes as explained below.
HARVESTING
Riped palm fruits are harvested from the palm trees with cutlasses or small axes by practical climbing of the tree by man with the aid of a rope known as "Igba". This rope holds the man's waist to the tree and allows the shifting-up while climbing. Another type of climbing rope connects one lap and the other feet to the tree. The former and the latter could be make of iron or from plants products.
Due to free fall from the tree, the fruits usually spread and requires picking. And the bunches are cut and kept for four (4) or more days to allow soften for easy removal.
Underground Container/chamber
PALM OIL EXTRACTION
Having transported the fruits to the processing location, they are cooked with ordinary water and allow to cool before grinding with "Palm oil grinder machine". Grinded substances are now taken into the container/chamber, built underground with concrete or blocks or woods, where they are washed with water and separated the constituents (raw oil, palm carnels, and other minor parts). The palm carnels are later sun-dried for use in other industries. The extracted raw oil is further cooked. At a high temperature, the finished oil floats in the cooking container and it is being extracted for used. However, other components beneath the oil in the pot are disposed.
USES OF PALM OIL
The main use of palm oil is for cooking foods. Some other industries used it as raw material for many other purposes. They are also used for lubrication. Palm oil are sold for money.
Other Cooking Oils Compared to Palm Oil in Nigeria
In Nigeria, groundnut oil is not suitable for preparing some foods, example is cooking of beans, soup (but very good for stew).
References: All parts, including the pictures, in the article were generated primarily by the Author.