Sterilizer
There are different ways of sterilizing palm fruits in the rural village setting in Africa. Generally, the bunch stripping process comes before the sterilization in the village milling process. This is because the bunches are first quartered and allowed to stay for a few days (see the “Sources of Oil Loss Along the Palm Fruit and Palm Kernel Processing Chain, Bunch Stripper” section). The sterilization process where it is practiced is performed by boiling the loosened fruits in pots or drums, whichever is applicable.
In some places the loose fruits are packed in translucent polyethylene bags and placed
under the sun for 3 to 5 days. The aims of these treatments are very similar to those
in the industrial processing discussed earlier in this chapter. A colander, basket, or a
vessel with fine perforated holes in the bottom is used to filter out fiber and nuts. The wet mixture is then put on the fire and brought to a vigorous boil. After about 1 or 2 hours, depending on the volume of material being boiled, the firewood is taken out
and the boiled mixture allowed to cool. Herbs may be added to the mixture at this
point just before reducing the heat.