Palm kernel

Overview

Production

Cultivation

Nutrition

What is Palm kernel?

Palm kernel pertains to the edible seed of the oil palm fruit. The oil palm tree (Elaeis guineensis) is a tropical plant that is widely cultivated for its fruit, from which two types of oil are derived: palm oil from the flesh of the fruit, and palm kernel oil from the seed.

The kernel shell, which is a tough, woody outer covering, protects the small, hard, brownish-red palm kernel that is approximately the size of a marble. Palm kernel oil is obtained from the kernel through a mechanical process that involves crushing and pressing.

Palm kernel oil finds various applications, including being used as a cooking oil, in margarine production, and as an ingredient in many processed foods, cosmetics, and personal care products. The oil's high saturated fat content causes it to solidify at room temperature, giving it an extended shelf life.

Palm kernel Production in the World

Indonesia is the top country producing Palm kernel in the world. As of 2022, Indonesia produced 10,520,000 tonnes of Palm kernel, accounting for 57.89% of the total production. Malaysia is the world's second-largest Palm kernel producer, with 4,417,719 tonnes, which represents 24.31% of the total production. Thailand(672,000) is the 3rd country, Nigeria(355,000) is the 4th country, and Colombia(312,512) is the 5th country in the world producing Palm kernel. Suriname has the lowest production of Palm kernel in the world with only 24 tonnes in 2022. The world's total production of palm kernel was estimated at 18,172,167 tonnes in 2022.

Source: FAOSTAT

Top 10 countries by Palm kernel production 2020

Top Countries by Production of Palm kernel in 2022

Rank	Country	Production(Tonnes)
1	Indonesia	10,520,000
2	Malaysia	4,417,719
3	Thailand	672,000
4	Nigeria	355,000
5	Colombia	312,512
6	Guatemala	202,000
7	Papua New Guinea	177,000
8	Brazil	164,000
9	Honduras	154,000
10	Ghana	144,000
11	Cote d'Ivoire	134,000
12	Mexico	99,000
13	Peru	86,786
14	Costa Rica	86,000
15	Ecuador	85,000
16	Cameroon	84,000
17	Democratic Republic of the Congo	75,000
18	Guinea	53,000
19	Sierra Leone	37,984
20	Philippines	36,000
21	China	32,963
22	Angola	29,482
23	Benin	28,000
24	Venezuela	24,400
25	Cambodia	24,000
26	Nicaragua	23,000
27	Solomon Islands	21,000
28	Dominican Republic	17,000
29	Paraguay	15,257
30	Burundi	8,909
31	Panama	8,052
32	Senegal	7,564
33	Tanzania	7,059
34	Togo	6,947
35	Republic of the Congo	6,156
36	Liberia	5,000
37	Guinea-Bissau	4,000
38	The Gambia	2,470
39	Equatorial Guinea	2,450
40	Madagascar	1,292
41	Sao Tome and Principe	1,000
42	Gabon	800
43	Central African Republic	341
44	Suriname	24

cultivation of Palm kernel

The farming of the oil palm tree (Elaeis guineensis) is a significant agricultural pursuit in numerous tropical areas, particularly in Southeast Asia and Africa, as its fruit yields both palm oil and palm kernel.

Here are the general steps involved in the cultivation of the oil palm tree for palm kernel production:

Land preparation: Clearing and preparing the land for planting is the first step in oil palm cultivation. The land is typically cleared of existing vegetation, plowed, and leveled.
Nursery and seedlings: Oil palm seedlings are typically grown in a nursery for 9-12 months before they are transplanted to the main plantation. The seedlings are grown from selected seeds that are high-yielding and disease-resistant.
Planting: The oil palm seedlings are transplanted to the main plantation at a spacing of about 9 meters apart.
Management: The oil palm trees require proper management to ensure their growth and productivity. This includes regular fertilization, pest and disease control, and pruning.
Harvesting: The oil palm trees begin to produce fruit after about 3-4 years. The fruit bunches are harvested using long poles with a sickle attached to the end. The fruit bunches are then transported to a processing plant for extraction of palm oil and palm kernel.
Processing: The palm kernel is extracted from the fruit by a mechanical process that involves crushing and pressing. The oil is then refined and processed for various uses.

In general, the cultivation of oil palm demands substantial investments of both time and resources; however, for farmers located in appropriate regions, it can prove to be a lucrative enterprise.

Nutritional Information of Palm kernel

Palm kernel is a good source of several nutrients, including:

Fat: Palm kernel contains about 81% fat, mostly saturated and monounsaturated fats.
Protein: Palm kernel also contains around 7% protein.
Carbohydrates: Palm kernel has a low carbohydrate content of about 2%.
Fiber: Palm kernel is a poor source of fiber, with only 0.5% dietary fiber.
Vitamins: Palm kernel is a good source of vitamin E, with 100g of palm kernel providing about 15% of the recommended daily intake of this vitamin.
Minerals: Palm kernel is rich in minerals such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, and iron.

It's important to note that while palm kernel may contain beneficial nutrients, it is also high in calories and saturated fats, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Regional Variety of Palm kernel

There are several regional varieties of palm kernel, each with its unique characteristics and uses. Here are a few examples:

African Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis): This is the most commonly cultivated palm kernel variety in Africa. The oil extracted from its kernels is widely used for cooking, frying, and as an ingredient in various food products. It is also used in the production of soap, cosmetics, and biofuels.
American Oil Palm (Elaeis oleifera): Native to tropical Central and South America, this palm kernel variety is mainly cultivated for its oil, which is similar to that of the African oil palm. It is used in cooking, as a lubricant, and for the production of biodiesel.
Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera): Although primarily known for its fruit and water, the coconut palm also produces palm kernels. The oil extracted from coconut kernels is widely used in cooking, and baking, and as a key ingredient in various food products. It is also used in the cosmetics industry for making soap, lotion, and other personal care products.
Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera): Date palm kernels are rich in oil and are used in traditional remedies and cosmetics. The oil extracted from these kernels has moisturizing and nourishing properties, making it suitable for skincare products such as soaps, creams, and hair treatments.
Babassu Palm (Attalea speciosa): Native to South America, particularly Brazil, the babassu palm produces kernels that yield valuable oil. Babassu oil is used in cooking, as a replacement for coconut oil, and is also employed in the cosmetics industry for making soaps, lotions, and hair care products.
Oil Palm (Elaeis spp.): Besides the African and American oil palm varieties mentioned earlier, other species within the Elaeis genus are cultivated for their oil. For example, the Maripa palm (Elaeis maripa) is native to South America and produces kernels used in cooking oil production.

These are just a few examples of regional palm kernel varieties and their uses. The oil extracted from palm kernels is widely utilized in the food industry, cosmetics industry, and biofuel production, among other applications. Additionally, the kernels themselves can be used in traditional medicine and have various regional uses depending on cultural practices.

Structure of Palm kernel

The palm kernel consists of four main parts:

Endosperm: This is the innermost layer of the kernel, containing most of the kernel's nutrients, such as fats, proteins, and fibers.
Testa: This is a protective layer surrounding the endosperm. It is rich in antioxidants and serves to safeguard the kernel.
Kernel shell: This is a hard, woody outer layer that defends the kernel from damage and helps to maintain its form. It is composed of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose fibers.
Embryo: This is the developing plant inside the kernel, comprising both a shoot and a root. If the kernel is planted and germinated, the shoot and root will eventually grow into a new oil palm tree.

In general, the arrangement of the palm kernel is intended to safeguard and nurture the growing embryo, while also serving as a valuable nutrient source for human consumption.

Types of Palm kernel

Several types of palm kernels exist, each with distinct features and attributes. Below are some of the prevalent varieties of palm kernel:

Dura: The dura variety of palm kernel is the most common type and is widely cultivated in Africa. The dura kernel is larger and harder than other types and has a thick shell that is difficult to crack. The oil content of dura kernels is generally lower than other varieties.
Pisifera: The pisifera variety of palm kernel is smaller than the dura variety, and has a thin shell that is easy to crack. Pisifera kernels have a higher oil content than dura kernels and are commonly used for oil extraction.
Tenera: The tenera variety of palm kernel is a hybrid of dura and pisifera varieties, and is the most widely cultivated variety around the world. Tenera kernels have a higher oil yield than dura kernels, and their thin shell makes them easier to process.
Nifor: The nifor variety of palm kernel is a type of dura kernel that is native to Nigeria. Nifor kernels are smaller and have a higher oil content than other types of dura kernels.
Adiki: The adiki variety of palm kernel is a type of dura kernel that is native to Cameroon. Adiki kernels are large and have a thick shell that is difficult to crack.

Overall, the different types of palm kernel have varying characteristics and properties, which can affect their suitability for different uses, such as oil extraction or animal feed.

Uses of Palm kernel

Palm kernel has a variety of uses in different industries. Here are some of the most common uses of palm kernel:

Edible Oil: The primary use of palm kernel is for the production of edible oil. The oil is extracted from the kernel through a mechanical process and is used in cooking, frying, and baking. Palm kernel oil is also used in the production of margarine, shortenings, and other food products.
Personal Care Products: Palm kernel oil is a common ingredient in many personal care products, such as soap, shampoo, and lotion. The oil's moisturizing properties make it ideal for use in skincare products.
Cosmetics: Palm kernel oil is used in the production of many cosmetic products, including lipsticks, lip balms, and hair conditioners. The oil's emollient properties help to soften and soothe the skin.
Biofuel: The kernel shell, which is a byproduct of palm kernel oil extraction, can be used as a source of renewable energy in the form of biofuel.
Animal Feed: Palm kernel cake, which is a byproduct of palm kernel oil extraction, is used as a high-protein animal feed. The cake is rich in protein and minerals and is often used to feed cattle, poultry, and swine.

In general, palm kernel is a flexible crop that finds application in numerous industries. Its significant oil content and nutritional characteristics render it a crucial source of food and other commodities worldwide.