Journal of Microwave Power and Electromagnetic Energy (JMPEE)
TITLE	Processing of Fresh Palm Fruits Using Microwaves [PDF]
AUTHORS	Mee Chin Chow and Ah Ngan Ma 2005 40 3 165-173
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Abstract Microwave heating was determined in this study to be suitable for the detachment and drying of palm fruits from whole bunch, cut bunches and spikelets. Microwave treatment of the palm fruits was able to attain the objectives of conventional fresh palm fruits sterilization processes such as fruit softening, nut conditioning and halting of enzymatic lipolysis. Palm oil and kernel oil solvent extracted respectively from the microwave treated whole fruits and kernel were found to be good quality of low free fatty acid content. This technology together with solvent extraction of the dehydrated fruits may have the potential of being a continuous, dry and clean technology for palm oil milling.