Growing the Palm

• The Malaysian palm oil plant was introduced to Malaysia by the British as an ornamental plant in 1870. It grows sixty feet high and takes 30 months to bear fruit. It will bear fruit for 20 to 30 years.
  
  According to the Malaysia Palm Oil Council, the palm is the most efficient oil-bearing crop in the world. It requires only 0.26 hectares of land to produce one ton of oil compared to soybean, sunflower and rapeseed, which require 1.52 to 2.22 hectares.
  
  

Palm Oil Health and Nutrition

• Malaysian palm oil is rich in carotene, vitamin E and fatty acids. It is high in fat with one oz. yielding 270 calories. It is a vegetable oil and cholesterol-free but does require hydrogenation for use as an ingredient.
  
  

Palm Oil Uses

• Malaysian palm oil can be used in any fried food applications. According to the Malaysian Palm Oil Council, the oil is produced for cooking oil, margarine and shortening and can be incorporated in bakery products, chocolate, coffee creamers and ice cream.