The acidity of palm oil can vary significantly, ranging from 7.07% to 29.51% depending on factors such as the maturity of the palm fruit and processing methods.
Here's a breakdown of palm oil acidity levels:
- Range of Acidity: As stated in the provided data, the acidity of palm oil samples tested ranged from 7.07% to 29.51%.
- Classification of Acidity Levels: The analyzed palm oil samples were categorized into:
- Low Acidity: 8.82%
- Average Acidity: 14.21%
- High Acidity: 77.45% (Note: the text indicates that 77.45% of samples had high acidity, not the actual acidity level itself.)
Therefore, while the average acidity of certain oils may be around 14%, it's important to understand that palm oil's acidity can vary considerably, potentially making it much more acidic than that average value. Factors influencing the acidity of palm oil include the time between harvesting and processing, and the presence of enzymes that break down the oil into fatty acids. These free fatty acids contribute to the oil's acidity.
