Agriculture.ph Blog

Pili pulp, which is usually thrown away after removing the nut, is now a source of organic oil. Who would ever think that pili pulp contains an economically important oil with many uses? Minda Yee of Sorsogon City, was able to produce organic oil from pili pulp which is suitable for culinary purposes, salad dressing, shortening, for canned sardines and other food preparations. It can also be used for pharmaceutical and cosmetics. It was found to be an anti microbial agent and anti-inflammatory agent and effective in healing wounds and allergies.

Minda saw the potential of pili when she had field visits and discovered that Sorsogon abounds in pilinut the whole year round so she ventured into processing of pilinut and started with pili candies. She was bothered on what to do with the pulp and the shells piled in one corner to rot. She tried to think of possible uses of the pulp and the shell. She discovered that the pulp could be a good medium for mushroom culture and at the same time as feeds for swine while the shell is used for fuel and as medium for anthuriums and orchids. She was not contented with these uses until one day she tried to experiment by getting some of the pulps and press it with her hands and collect the juice extracted from the pulp. She noticed that the next day there was yellowish liquid accumulated on top. The yellowish liquid on top is now her jewel – the pili oil.

The Process
There are two possible process that can be used to extract the pili pulp oil, by mechanical pressing and by solvent extraction. Based on her experience, it is important to use fresh and matured pilinut. To separate the pulp from the pilinut blanching in lukewarm water could be employed or soaking in tap water for two days. After separating the pulp from the nut she then add water to the pulp 1:1 ratio. Using a plastic net the same size as the nets used for mosquito nets she extracted the oil by pressing or squeezing hard the pulp using the net. The liquid extracted is collected and then set aside until the yellowish liquid appears on top. She scooped the yellowish liquid and then cooked in stainless cooking wares. Minda said that it should be cooked in low fire for 30 minutes. It can also be steamed for four hours with the same quality of product produced. After cooking the oil undergoes filtration to remove impurities and then packed in bottles.

Properties and Composition of Pili Oil

Pili pulp oil has clear, greenish yellow color. It has 56.7% oleic glycerides, 13.5% linoleic glycerides and 29.3% saturated fatty acids. Based on the analysis conducted by DOST Region V, the oil produced has very low free fatty acid (FFA) content of 0.06% and moisture content of only 0.04% which favors longer shelf life of the product.
Meanwhile, the results of the chemical and nutritional analysis of pili pulp oil compared with olive oil revealed that it has more beta carotene, a known vitamin A source, and caroteneoids, phytosterols and tocopherols (vitamin E). These substances are known for its powerful antioxidants and protect cells from oxidation and neutralize unstable free radicals. It is also a good source of protein, iodine, minerals and calcium.

Other Uses of Pili Pulp Oil

Minda relates that the oil is suitable for people with delicate skin and are health conscious because it is organic and contains anti-aging element that prevents wrinkles acne and pimples. She is now supplying pili pulp oil to a manufacturer of bath soap and massage oil. The manufacturer also said that they are using it as additive for their anti-dandruff shampoo. It can also be used as massage oil for muscle pain and arthritis.
The pili pulp oil carries a brand name Leslie Organic Pili Oil which has been registered and approved by BFAD and has been applied for patenting. They started manufacturing the oil in 2004 and has expanded due to market demand. They sent samples of the oil to the United States and China and now awaiting for orders. Minda declares that the price of the oil is reasonable and affordable. The oil is available at 50 ml., 150 ml., 350 ml. and 1 liter bottles.
The Pili Processors Association of Sorsogon on the otherhand, where Minda is one of the members joins in the International Food Expo Exhibits and Fairs to promote pili oil and other pili products. The group will establish new market for their products abroad because they believe they could sustain production as more farmers are venturing into plantation type of pili farms.
Aside from pili oil Minda was able to improve pili candy processing and has introduced a different packaging for pili candies which is attractive to both local and foreign market. She now have a wide array of pili candies like chocolate coated pili, glazed pili, roasted pili, and pili tart, all packed for export quality.
Minda is set to increase her production for candies and pili pulp oil because there is an increasing demand. But her constraint now is the inavailability of a pressing machine for oil extraction. She practices the manual method of oil extraction which is laborious and time consuming. She disclosed that for 10,000 pieces fresh pili nut she employs three persons to extract the pili oil that would yield about 400 liters of crude oil. She was able to contact a local machineries manufacturer and they are still fine-tuning the extractor equipment.
With the advent of aroma therapy, health clinics, and massage parlors, pili pulp oil will find its way not only in the local market but also in the global market. To people who want to pamper themselves with body massage try using organic pili oil and feel the difference.#

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Source:
UMAsenso
Official publication of the Department of Agriculture RFU 5
Vol. 15 No. 2
April-June 2006