Oil Palm Kernels Animal Feed Biofuel Industrial Use

A palm kernel is the seed found inside the fruit of the oil palm tree (Elaeis guineensis). After the palm fruit is harvested, the outer fleshy part (which yields palm oil) is separated from the kernel, which is the hard seed inside. The kernel itself is small, oval, and about the size of a small nut. It’s surrounded by a tough shell that protects the seed. Once the shell is cracked open, the palm kernel can be processed to extract palm kernel oil. This oil has different characteristics compared to the oil from the pulp (which is palm oil), as it is more solid at room temperature and has a higher saturated fat content. Palm kernels are not just used for oil extraction. The kernels can also be processed into products like animal feed or even used in biofuels. The shells left over after oil extraction can also be used as fuel or for other industrial purposes.