interview
Interviews with successful executives and top corporate culture influencers.
The Quest for Red Palm Oil: Climbing Trees for Liquid Gold 🌴 💰
In the heart of Nigeria's Ondo State, an unassuming hero named Victor embarks on a daring adventure every day. Armed with a homemade ax, a length of rope, and his own bare feet, he scales towering palm trees, reaching heights of up to 40 feet. His mission is to harvest something of immense value – the vibrant fruits that will be transformed into red palm oil. While standard palm oil is known for its affordability, red palm oil can fetch prices up to three times higher, and when exported to the US or the UK, it can even sell for as much as $20 for a single liter. But what sets red palm oil apart from its more common counterpart, and what makes it so expensive? Red palm oil has a distinct appearance that distinguishes it from standard palm oil. While both are derived from the fruit of the oil palm, it's the unique production process that imparts the deep red-orange hue to red palm oil. Moreover, red palm oil boasts a mild floral flavor and a buttery texture that is cherished by many, particularly in local cuisines. The journey from oil palm plantation to the red palm oil that graces dining tables is a labor-intensive and artisanal process. It all begins in oil palm plantations like the one located in the village of Aye. Every few weeks, expert climbers like Victor are called in to harvest the palm fruits. These trees can tower up to an astonishing 60 feet in height. Remarkably, these climbers rely on nothing but handmade harnesses and axes to aid their ascent. They climb with a sense of vulnerability, as even a single slip can result in severe injury. One of the greatest dangers that Victor and his fellow climbers face is the presence of snakes amidst the palm fronds. The risk of falling has caused some workers to abandon climbing altogether and instead assist with collecting palm husks from the safety of the ground. Despite the risks, the work must go on, as these palm fruits are essential to the production of red palm oil. The process of transforming these fleshy palm fruits into the coveted red oil begins with a crucial step - separating the fruit from the protective, spiky husks. Due to the challenging nature of this task, the fruits are left out to dry for several days, which also allows them to ferment, enhancing the oil's flavor. Once sufficiently dried, the palm fruits are brought to a processing site, such as the one located in the nearby village of Ileze. Here, workers like Randy engage in the meticulous process of transforming the fruits into red palm oil. The fruits are emptied into buckets and large drums before water is added to initiate the boiling process. After about an hour, the fruit is ready to be drained and taken to the mill, where it is further processed into a pulp. The mill is still a labor-intensive phase, as someone must manually load and empty the fruit. This point is followed by the use of a hydraulic press, which compresses the milled fruit pulp to extract the oil. It's worth noting that the process yields red palm oil exclusively, as the production of palm kernel oil requires additional steps, including drying and cracking the seeds. Red palm oil has its roots in West Africa, where oil palm trees are native. However, it was the era of colonization that led to the rapid expansion of oil palm plantations, primarily in Southeast Asia. As a result, Southeast Asia assumed a dominant role in the global palm oil industry, outpacing West Africa. The Southeast Asian plantations adopted a large-scale approach, utilizing heavy machinery for the majority of their production, while West Africa retained the artisanal, labor-intensive approach seen today. The supply of palm fruits is constrained by several factors in West Africa. Firstly, it takes approximately three years for oil palm trees to bear fruit. Once they do, they can be harvested year-round. However, due to the region's rainy season, which typically lasts from May to October, climbing the trees becomes extremely dangerous, and palm fruit harvests are often disrupted. Climate change has further complicated the situation, causing longer-lasting rainy seasons, leading to greater fruit spoilage, and ultimately driving up the price of red palm oil. Palm kernel oil, on the other hand, relies on more mechanised and industrialised processes for production and thus doesn't face the same seasonal limitations as red palm oil. While some locals do produce palm kernel oil, it's not as common due to the need for specialized machinery, making red palm oil the more prevalent choice. Despite the challenges and risks, red palm oil remains a cherished ingredient in many West African dishes. The local price of red palm oil in Nigeria has increased over time due to various factors, including weather-related supply shortages in other oil-producing countries. Nonetheless, the rich flavor, color, and cultural significance of red palm oil continue to make it a sought-after commodity. For many, the price is a reflection of its value and the authentic taste it imparts to traditional dishes. With its unique history and cultural significance, red palm oil is indeed a testament to the resilience and craftsmanship of the people who labor to bring this precious liquid gold from the treetops to our tables.
By Rakindu Perera2 years ago in Journal
Top 10 Intriguing Facts About Google
Top 10 Intriguing Facts About Google Google, the ubiquitous search engine, stands as a beacon of innovation in the digital landscape. From its inception in 1998, Google has transformed the way we access information, connect with others, and perceive the world. In this article, we will uncover ten captivating facts about Google, shedding light on the tech giant's remarkable journey.
By Reality Talker2 years ago in Journal
Apologised for doing wrong in English Literature International GCSE exam.. Content Warning.
It's unfortunate that a prestigious private girls' school had such an issue with their English Literature International GCSE exam. Such incidents can cause stress and confusion for students. Offering the wrong book for study can be a serious mistake on the part of the school or the exam board responsible for administering the test.
By sadia akter2 years ago in Journal
Crafting Tomorrow's Visionaries: The Future-Focused Approach of IT Recruitment in Singapore
In the ever-evolving realm of technology, tomorrow's visionaries are waiting to be discovered today. Singapore, with its dynamic tech ecosystem, stands as a beacon of innovation in Asia. Amidst this whirlwind of opportunities, one name shines bright: Base Camp, the Singapore-based IT recruitment agency that's not just connecting job seekers with employers but crafting future tech leaders through its forward-looking approach.
By Amit Kumar2 years ago in Journal
Tech Talent Ecosystem: The Collaborative Role of IT Employment Agency in Singapore
In the dynamic world of technology, talent serves as the driving force behind innovation and progress. Amidst this bustling landscape, the collaborative efforts of IT employment agencies in Singapore, like Base Camp, have emerged as instrumental players in shaping the tech talent ecosystem.
By Amit Kumar2 years ago in Journal
Strategic Career Partnerships: Unveiling the Power of IT Job Consultancy in Singapore
In the intricate tapestry of career evolution, the power of strategic partnerships often plays a transformative role. When it comes to navigating the dynamic tech landscape, this principle holds especially true. Base Camp IT job consultancy in Singapore is a powerhouse that holds the key to unveiling a world of unparalleled opportunities and growth.
By Amit Kumar2 years ago in Journal
Beyond the Resume: ChatGPT's Guide to Excelling in Leadership Interviews
Disclaimer: ChatGPT was used to work through the examples in this story and was used to review fit and polish in selected sentences. It also played a role in suggesting a few word choices. Over 98% of the content is original and is hopefully of value to you in your upcoming interview. See "How I use ChatGPT" at end of article.
By Stephen Legler2 years ago in Journal
The month of October unveils a celestial tapestry of myths, legends, and cosmic wonders, making it a delight for stargazers
The month of October unveils a celestial tapestry of myths, legends, and cosmic wonders, making it a delight for stargazers. As the crisp evenings usher in clear skies and cooler temperatures, the heavens above beckon with a host of celestial events. From the captivating "ring of fire" solar eclipse on October 14 to the enchanting hunter's moon two weeks later, the celestial calendar is brimming with celestial highlights.
By Abdullah Rajon2 years ago in Journal
