PALMS OF GOLD

Long ago, fortune-tellers demanded that people cross their palms with silver before they would make a truthful prediction. Today in Malaysia, it seems that this country's palm has been crossed with gold instead, as all the predictions point to ever greater returns from a golden harvest. What began as a simple experiment with ornamental garden trees has turned into a multi-billion dollar industry for the country.

The 'palms' of course are Elaeis guineensis, the oil palm that grows so luxuriantly in all places equatorial. And while the tree originally came from Africa, imported to Malaysia simply as a decorative addition to the gardens of affluent landowners, it was a lucky guess that ultimately recognised it as worthy of much more.

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This article continues with details of  the palm oil industry and its valuable contribution to Malaysia’s economy as well as its healthful properties.

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Golden palm oil glows in  billions of bottles worldwide, a reflection of the amber bunches of fruit of every palm tree, and an unexpected inheritance of the rich soil and skills of the country and its people. And even as the oil nourishes the world, so its benefits enable Malaysia's economy to continue to grow and strengthen.

A golden reward now, and bright and a healthy future seems certain.

©Sally Hammond 2006

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