The Practical and Spiritual Benefits of the Red Palm

Which tree keeps giving, and giving? Why the Elaeis guineensis, of course. The red palm tree is best known for the red oil derived from its fruit, which is a vital component of some Asian and African cuisines. It is also used in processed foods such as margarine, as well as in biodiesel fuel, and the beauty industry.

Origin

Otherwise known as the African Red Palm oil tree, it is believed to have emerged from Ethiopia. Those countries which have a long ancestral relationship with this plant, know it for all the benefits it provides to their nutrition and culture.

Controversial

Is it good or bad for you? Well, it depends on whether you come from a culture with a long and sacred relationship with the plant, or you come from continents where you have never used it in your cooking, or never seen natural trees in your environment.

Commercial Value

The red palm was transported to South East Asia over 100 years ago. Anthropologist, Alice Rudge, wrote an interesting article documenting the importance of palm oil in the colonial expansion agenda, after its benefits were discovered.

Like many plants which are casualties of modern economic botany, the rise in commercial value of the palm nut internationally, from domestic consumption to use in biofuels has caused a lot disruption in nature.

Deforestation

It is the destruction of natural forests in order to plant red palm which has caused the most controversy. The palm plant is not to blame, it is a victim of its valuable contribution to human needs, and the greed of colonial expansionism devolving to large corporations.

The largest consumer of palm oil is Indonesia, where it is used in food, and also in biofuels. Like another treasured African nut tree, Shea, the red palm oil is in almost everything.

Cuisine

In West African countries like Ghana, traditional dishes are cooked in red palm oil. The oil is a highly saturated vegetable oil, which is extracted from the pulp.  The reddish colour comes from the Beta-carotene content.

It has a high burning point so food is cooked when fried or sauteed in this oil.

If you have sampled the delicious flavour this oil adds to traditional African dishes, you know there is nothing like it. The culinary benefits traveled via the diaspora to Brazil, where dishes such as Moqueca (Fish Stew), use red palm. Any attempt to make a traditional dish without this oil always disappoints.

Delicacy

Grubs up!  In both meanings of the word, real crawly ones,  Rhynchophorus ferruginous, these are found in decaying palm trees. These high in protein gems, are a much prized delicacy in Ghana, and other tropical countries. the can be roasted, boiled or eaten raw.

Health

Research has shown what the generations who have used it as a basic necessity already know. Two studies Fattore, Fanelli (2013) and Gesteiro et al. (2019) showed there was no specific evidence to confirm that consumption of palm oil can increase the risk of cancer disease.

Some European countries are now banning the use of palm oil as a biofuel. The situation was a product of their own geopolitical climate in the first place and continues to play out like a game of aware, as long as there is profit to be made.

Sacred Traditional Plant

The importance of Palms is not only for physical health but also for spiritual well being. Western anthropologists have observed the use of all parts of the palm: seeds, leaves, oil being used in rituals.

It is said to be one of the most powerful and pleasing oils accepted by the African spirits. Here are the traditional uses of the palm plant:

• Protection and purification
  
• Return to Sender
  
• Break Family curses
  
• Provides stabilization
  
• Extends the life of spiritual gifts
  
• Protects from incubus and succubus

The leaves (fonds) are also considered sacred. They are a symbol of power, peace and authority. They are used for incense, smudging and in offerings.

People hang the leaves around the houses to block negative energy. During funerals they are placed on the bodyfor protection and on the car carrying the body to alert people so the car can priority to proceed.

Red palm is for protection and good luck.

Alcoholic Beverage

Palm wine,  Nsafufo, is another gift of this tree.  The sap is best collected in the morning, and if one wants to taste the non alcoholic version you have to get it right from the tree, as it starts to ferment as soon as it is tapped.  It is sweet and milky, which belies its potency as a very strong alcoholic beverage.

But the best use of Palm oil is in this recipe.  Enjoy!

ABENKWAN (PALM NUT SOUP)

Courtesy of Africa World

INGREDIENTS:
2 cups of palm oil
1 cup of chopped onion
1 chili pepper
crushed pepper
2 cups of tomatoes
chopped 2 cups of okra
1 medium egg plant (sliced)
1 lb fresh or canned crab meat
salt to taste

Preparation:

In a large heavy stew pot, boil the palm oil for 10 minutes and add onions. Add pepper
and continue cooking on a high heat for another 5 minutes . Reduce heat, add the crushed pepper and tomatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes then add the remaining ingredients. Simmer for an hour or more until soup is thickened, stir regularly if there is too much palm oil on the surface.
You can scoop off some oil with a large spoon then serve.

Final Thoughts…

It is valuable, and has provided traditional sustenance to people in its native lands. As its commercial value increased, it has become a crop blamed for deforestation. However, the plant was never the problem, and when imbalance is created in nature, finds a way to restore. balance.

Resources

Don’t Ask West Africans to Stop Cooking with Palm Oil –The Canadian African

https://www.nowahalamag.com/post/twifo-praso-palm-oil-seun-adatsi – Twifo Praso Palm Oil -Seun Adatsi

Colonial Botany and Oil Palm – Alice Rudge