Palm oil is probably the richest edible oil from
Africa. Oil from palm fruit is commonly used as ingredient in preparing many
traditional African foods. It also has a uniquely lovely strong flavor.
An
orange to red vegetable oil with a distinctively delicious flavor made from the
juicy pulp of the African palm tree fruit called Elaeis guineensis, palm
oil is used across tropical Africa, especially, West Africa. It is also used in
the Caribbean, and South America in making various dishes.
In Bacita, Kwara State ladies like this young one deep their body in the palm oil pool during the processing. PHOTO: BY OYASAF DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHER, OGUNTIMEHIN ARIYO |
However,
these photos, taken during the processing of palm oil expose the unhygienic
food method, which may help to spread disease. We need to therefore improve
this process for our own good.
Despite this worrisome method in palm oil
processing, of note is the people’s prowess in farming and
blacksmith work.