Tropical Traditions is offering my readers yet another giveaway! This time they are awarding one organic virgin red palm oil! (I had no idea what this was before my review – so read further and I’ll explain!)
What is Virgin Red Palm Oil?
Virgin Palm Oil is palm oil that is traditionally made and maintains the natural nutrients of carotenes (precursors to Vitamin A) and the antioxidant tocotrienols (Vitamin E). Typical RBD (Refined, Bleached, and Deodorized) standard palm oil has these nutrients stripped from them resulting in a clear oil. But, in its natural state, palm oil is red in color due to a high concentration of carotenes and tocols!! Crazy, huh?
Palm oil comes from a tropical palm tree (NOT the same as coconut palm trees), which is native to the tropical areas of Africa, where it grows wild. It is a traditional oil that has been used for over 5000 years in African countries. The palm oil palm was introduced to South East Asia in the early 1900s, and Malaysia is now the world leader in exports of palm oil. Tropical Traditions is an impressive company because it purchases and supports small scale family producers in Africa, and NOT large corporate plantations in South East Asia.
Although scarcely used in the US, palm oil is the most heavily consumed dietary oil in the world after soybean oil. If one were to exclude the U.S. where most of the world’s soybean oil is consumed, palm oil would be the most popular dietary oil in the world!! (And I had never EVEN heard of it before!) Palm oil traditionally has been used for baking, shortenings, margarines and deep fat frying, as it is shelf stable with a high melting point and does NOT require hydrogenation. Therefore, it contains no trans fatty acids.
Advantages of Virgin Red Palm Oil
– High Stability To Oxidation – exceptional resistance to rancidity.
– Vitamin E – The Tocotrienols: Super Anti-oxidants
– Vitamin A nutrition: Carotenes – 15 times more carotenoids than carrots!
My Take: Tropical Traditions Virgin Palm Oil is unlike any other oil I have ever seen. The bright red color is quite shocking! The texture is thick, not quite solid. Since it has a very high smoke point at about 425 degrees F., it is excellent for frying – which we love to do. Although, this oil is the perfect frying oil, it is also a healthy and versatile option for baking treats or fish! In a taste test – I really couldn’t tell a difference in this oil or any other oil. The best thing for me about using this oil is the natural antioxidants I receive – no other oil compares with these high levels!
Free Virgin Coconut Oil Book with purchase!
Tropical Traditions has a terrific referral program. If you make a first-time purchase and say you were referred by a friend (me) User ID: 6417979 on your online order you will receive a FREE copy of Virgin Coconut Oil Book -it has over 85 recipes! By using my ID, I will receive a coupon for a product. If you do use my ID – Here is my HUGE THANK YOU in advance!
Rules: Open to US residents 18 years or older. Winner chosen at random via random.org. Winners will be emailed and have 48hours to respond. BEST OF LUCK!
Disclosure: No compensation was given for this review/giveaway. I did receive a sample product from the sponsor for the purpose of this honest review. This did not affect the outcome of this review. All opinions are 100% my own. For full disclosure click here.