dendê
Dendê, also known as palm oil or red palm oil, is a vegetable oil extracted from the reddish pulp of the fruit of the oil palm tree, Elaeis guineensis. Originating from West Africa, it has become a staple ingredient in many cuisines, particularly in Brazil, Nigeria, and other parts of West Africa. Dendê oil is characterized by its distinctive orange-red color and a strong, unique flavor often described as smoky or nutty.
The extraction process involves crushing the fruit to release the oil, which is then often refined. Unrefined
In Brazilian cuisine, especially in Bahia, dendê oil is central to dishes like moqueca, acarajé, and vatapá.