Red palm oil, sometimes called simply red oil, is a virgin oil extracted from the flesh of the fruits of the oil palm tree (Elaeis guineensis). It is naturally an intense red or orange color, due to its very high concentration of carotenoids. Unlike palm oil used in the food and cosmetics industry, red oil is unrefined and retains many nutrients (beta-carotene and vitamin E) as well as a characteristic flavor. It is semi-solid at room temperature due to its high proportion of saturated fatty acids.
