Babassu Oil

Introduction

Babassu oil is a natural product derived from the native babassu palms of Brazil. Its abundance is found in the northeastern region of Brazil, where the babassu palms thrive with the wet conditions of the Amazon rainforest. The babassu oil is obtained by squeezing the fruits of the babassu palms, resulting in a lucent oil that has a light, pleasant scent and a thick consistency. This oil has been used for millennia not only by the indigenous people of the region, but also by those further away, who obtained the oil through trade.

As the popularity of babassu oil grew, so did its availability outside of Brazil. Nowadays, babassu oil is being shipped to different countries around the world and it is found in many hair and skin care products. It is also used as a cooking oil for fried foods, as well as in many desserts and sauces. Ultimately, it is a versatile oil that can be put to many uses.

Producing and Harvesting Babassu Oil

The production of babassu oil begins with the harvesting of the fruit from the babassu palms. These trees are a very unique species native to the Amazon region, and they are inextricably linked to the local cultures and traditions. As such, within the rainforest, there are many small communities and cooperatives that continue to grow and collect the fruits of the babassu palms.

Once harvested, the fruit is then split and broken open by hand to collect the kernels or “seeds” of the fruit. The kernels are then ground, cooked, and pressed in order to extract the oil. Traditionally, the oil is extracted by pressing the kernels by hand and then collecting the oil. This is a slow process, and it involves some physical labor, but it is considered to be more sustainable than modern motorized extraction methods.

The second method of extraction emerges with the introduction of mechanical presses. These hydraulic presses use an intense amount of pressure to extract the oil quickly, and the end product is a clear and pure oil in a much larger amount.

Nowadays, the modern extraction method of babassu oil is done through solvent extraction. This involves the use of chemical solvents, such as hexane, to extract the oil from the fruit kernels. This is the most efficient method, as it produces a clean oil in larger quantities, with less physical effort.

Refining Babassu Oil

Once the oil has been extracted from the babassu kernels, a few steps are taken to refine the oil further. Firstly, the oil is bleached to remove particles that may cling to the oil and give it an undesirable color or odor. A process of deacidification follows, which neutralizes any acidic compounds that may be present in the oil. Both these processes help to improve the quality of the oil and make it suitable for use in many cosmetic and cooking applications.

The refined babassu oil is then winterized and semi-processed. The winterizing process removes triglycerides that can make the oil solidify in cooler climates. This ensures that the oil remains liquid even at lower temperatures. Semi-processing of the oil involves the removal of any oxidation products and other impurities.

Shipping Babassu Oil

Once the babassu oil has been refined and semi-processed, it is ready to be shipped to destination locations. In Brazil, especially in the region where babassu palms grow, there are several companies that collect, buy, and sell the oil. They specialize in delivering the oil to countries around the world.

In order to minimize risk, the babassu oil is packed in flexitanks, steel drums, or in plastic containers. Flexitanks are the most common method for shipping this oil, as these tanks are strong and flexible, and can hold up to 24,000 liters of babassu oil. Once the oil is inside the flexitank, it is then shipped on trucks or by sea.

Using Babassu Oil

Babassu oil has several household uses, but it is most commonly used in food preparation. It has a neutral flavor and a light texture, and it can be used as a cooking oil to fry foods, or added to sauces and desserts for a subtle flavor. It is a healthy alternative to other oils, as it is high in antioxidants and does not contain trans fats.

Additionally, babassu oil can also be used in beauty products. It is rich in vitamins and fatty acids, and it penetrates the skin quickly. It can be used in shampoos, conditioners, moisturizers, and many other beauty products. It is even used to treat skin problems, including eczema and psoriasis.

Conclusion

Throughout the centuries, the babassu palms have been intimately connected to the people in Brazil. Although the palm trees are naturally found in the Amazon rainforest, their oil has spread far beyond its boundaries. Nowadays, babassu oil is a key ingredient in many households, and it is used to cook delicious meals and to render amazing beauty benefits. All it takes is some careful harvesting and processing of the babassu palms to bring this wonderful oil to dinner plates and beauty stores all around the world.