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Babassu oil is a fatty oil extracted from the kernels of babassu nuts. This oil is similar in properties and uses to coconut oil and is increasingly used as a substitute for it. The babassu palm, native to northeastern Brazil, is the source of these nuts.12

Babassu oil has various applications, including use in cooking, as a fuel, and as a lubricant. The soap and cosmetic industries also utilize a significant portion of the oil produced. After the oil is extracted, the remaining press cake is used as animal feed.2

Collecting and transporting babassu nuts can be challenging due to the dense jungle environment where the trees grow. While machines exist to crack the hard shells, most kernel removal is still done manually.2

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. babassu oil
  2. babassu palm

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