Palm-pressed fibre oil (PPFO) is unique as it contains high amount of β-carotene (pro-vitamin A), vitamin E (tocotrienols & tocopherols), squalene and sterols as compared to crude palm oil (CPO). Currently, the crude PPFO is not refined and is sold at a discount to CPO due to its low DOBI value and high free fatty acid content. The actual value of PPFO based on its nutritional attributes has yet to be uncovered. This technology focuses on solvent fractionation and refining of crude mesocarp fibre oil for the production of red palm fibre olein fraction. Phytonutrient-rich PPFO has a wide range of applications in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, food and cosmetics industries. The refined red fibre olein is a rich source of carotenoids supplement for vitamin A deficiency. The red palm fibre olein can be further treated to obtain a carotenoids concentrate. Hence the PPFO has potential to generate additional income for palm oil millers.

Main Researcher: Nur Sulihatimarsyila Abd Wafti
Email: nursulihati@mpob.gov.my