Description
Palm oil is an edible vegetable oil extracted from the mesocarp of the oil palms. It is one of the most widely produced and consumed vegetable oils in the world, accounting for about 36% of global oils produced from oil crops in 2014. Palm oil is a versatile oil with a variety of applications, including food, cosmetics, and biofuel.
Food Applications
Palm oil is a common ingredient in a wide variety of food products, including:
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Processed snacks: Palm oil is used in many processed snacks, such as cookies, crackers, and chips. It helps to give these products a crispy texture and a long shelf life.
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Chocolate: Palm oil is a key ingredient in chocolate, helping to stabilize the emulsion and giving chocolate its characteristic smooth texture.
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Frozen foods: Palm oil is used in frozen foods, such as ice cream and frozen dinners, to help maintain a consistent texture.
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Spreads: Palm oil is a major ingredient in margarine, mayonnaise, and other spreads. It helps to give these products a desirable texture and spreadability.
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Processed meats: Palm oil is used in processed meats, such as sausages and hot dogs, to help bind ingredients and improve flavor.
