AFP Dendê Palm Oil 500ml — Traditional Oil for Brazilian Cuisine

The AFP Dendê Palm Oil 500ml unrefined is a pure oil, mechanically extracted from the fruit pulp of the oil palm tree (Elaeis guineensis), produced in Ecuador. With a naturally vibrant red colour, intense and characteristic aroma, it is the essential ingredient for traditional Brazilian northeastern recipes — moqueca, acarajé, bobó de camarão and vatapá. Available at Viva o Sabor with fast delivery across Europe.

What Is Dendê Palm Oil?

Dendê palm oil is an unrefined oil, mechanically extracted from the fruit pulp of the oil palm tree — distinct from refined palm oil (white, odourless) used by the food industry. The unrefined product retains its natural red colour, intense aroma and the properties of crude oil. It has no direct equivalent in European cuisine.

In het Nederlands: Azeite de dendê is ongeraffineerde rode palmolie, mechanisch gewonnen uit palmvruchtenpulp. Essentieel voor Braziliaanse gerechten zoals moqueca, acarajé en bobó. Niet te verwarren met geraffineerde palmolie uit de voedingsindustrie.

In English: Azeite de dendê is unrefined red palm oil, mechanically extracted from palm fruit pulp. Essential for Brazilian northeastern dishes — moqueca, acarajé, bobó de camarão. No direct European equivalent.

Key Features

• Unrefined — Cold mechanical extraction, without chemical solvents
• Natural red colour — Indicates absence of refining and processing
• Intense aroma — Characteristic, unmistakable in recipes
• Smoke point ~232°C — Suitable for frying and sautéing
• Origin: Ecuador — Production predominantly by smallholder farmers
• 500ml — Practical size for household use

Composition and Nutritional Information

Ingredients: 100% Dendê Palm Oil (Elaeis guineensis). No additives. No preservatives.

Nutritional values per 100ml (AFP packaging data):

One tablespoon (~15ml) = approximately 135 kcal.

Storage

Store at room temperature, away from direct light and excessive heat. After opening, keep the bottle tightly sealed — shelf life 6 to 12 months. If the oil thickens in the cold, wrap the bottle in warm water to return it to a liquid state.

FAQ

What is dendê palm oil? An oil mechanically extracted from the fruit pulp of the oil palm tree (Elaeis guineensis). Unrefined, it retains its natural red colour, intense aroma and characteristic flavour. An essential ingredient in northeastern Brazilian recipes such as moqueca, acarajé, bobó and vatapá. This AFP product is produced in Ecuador.

What is the difference between refined and unrefined dendê? Unrefined (AFP): mechanically extracted, red in colour, intense aroma, retains the natural properties of crude oil. Refined: chemically processed, becomes white/pale, loses colour and aroma. For authentic cooking, always use unrefined.

Which recipes is dendê palm oil used for? Primarily northeastern Brazilian recipes: moqueca, acarajé (fried in dendê), bobó de camarão, vatapá, sautéed farofa. It can be used in sautés or added at the end of dishes for flavour and colour. One tablespoon (~15ml) is sufficient to season a recipe for 4 people.

Can I fry with dendê palm oil? Yes. A smoke point of ~232°C is suitable for controlled frying. Acarajé is the classic example — fried specifically in dendê. Use enough to cover the fritters and maintain a constant temperature.

Do I need to refrigerate it? No. Store at room temperature, away from direct light. If the oil thickens in the cold, wrap the bottle in warm water — it returns to a liquid state without any loss of quality.

What is the shelf life? Sealed bottle: 18–24 months (check the date on the packaging). After opening with adequate storage: 6–12 months.

Does it contain gluten or allergens? It is a pure oil — naturally gluten-free. Check the packaging for the allergen declaration specific to the batch.

Where can I buy dendê palm oil in the Netherlands / Europe? At Viva o Sabor (vivaosabor.com), with fast delivery across Europe.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Sustainability Considerations: The cultivation of palm oil on a global scale has documented environmental implications. The Ecuadorian context differs from Southeast Asia: a significant proportion is operated by smallholder family farmers, with diversified models. For consumers who prioritise sustainability, look for RSPO or Fair Trade certifications where available.