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Date palm pits are highly available and inexpensive palm date by‐products, representing a valuable source of natural antioxidants, particularly phenolic compounds. Date palm pit extract (DPPE) was prepared from these waste products and characterized for its phenolic content and in vitro antioxidant activity. Profiling DPPE by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC/MS) showed the presence of dimers and trimers of (epi)catechin as the main constituents. Alginate‐based films with four increasing concentrations of DPPE (10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% w/w) were prepared by the casting method. DPPE incorporation reduced solubility values of alginate films by 37%–64% and their surface wettability by 72%–111%. The incorporation of 10% DPPE improved water vapor barrier properties and increased tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break (%E) of alginate films by more than 23%, 50%, and 45%, respectively. The film containing 40% DPPE showed the lowest loss of phenolic content (32%), DPPH (1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl) scavenging activity (38%), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) (30%) after storage for 3 months. Date palm pit extract (DPPE), characterized for its phenolic compounds' composition and antioxidant activity, displayed a high antioxidant potential. Alginate–DPPE active films showed enhanced water barrier, mechanical, and antioxidant properties. These films are able to retard lipid oxidation in foods during storage.

The aim of the article is to examine the impact of green marketing on consumer behavior in the market for products containing palm oil. The first chapter addresses the theoretical approach—the impact of green marketing on consumer behavior. We considered a questionnaire survey to be the most appropriate method to conduct our research. In order to test our hypotheses, we applied Crosstab and Pearson’s chi-square test. The strength of the relationship between the variables was measured using Cramer’s V. The third chapter presents the research results based on the processed information of 527 obtained datasheets from the respondents. The data were collected from Slovak consumers in the summer of 2021. Hypotheses H1 (There is a significant relationship between the opinion of the consumer regarding purchasing products containing palm oil and the knowledge that the product does contain palm oil.) and H2 (There is a relationship between the consumer willingness to refuse the purchase of certain products if it has negative impact on the environment and the generational group the consumer belongs to.) were approved, however the relationship proved to be weak in both cases. The research makes it clear that the majority of consumers do not spend time reading descriptions on product packaging. It might be helpful for companies to make it clear and visible on the packaging that their product does not contain palm oil, informing the consumer and influencing them with the negative emotional message of the advert. The obtained research results are useful both for the producers and the customers.

It's in our instant noodles and chocolate bars, our lipsticks and fuel tanks. But what even is palm oil, and how has it come to dominate our lives so completely? Jocelyn C. Zuckerman travels across four continents and back two centuries to find answers about the most widely used vegetable oil on Earth.

IntroductionThe cost of animal feed is a serious limiting factor in livestock production in arid and semi-arid regions. This study investigated whether a locally formulated total mixed ration (TMR) based on date palm by-products, fish processing waste, and Moringa oleifera could serve as an economical alternative to commercial TMR for fattening Omani lambs.MethodsTwenty intact male Omani lambs (initial body weight 20.5 ± 2.3 kg, approximately 5 months old) were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments (n = 10 per treatment) in a completely randomized design for 84 days. The formulated TMR contained palm fronds (16%), barley grains (20%), fish meal (10%), date syrup (18%), Moringa oleifera leaves and stems (34%), and sodium chloride (1%). Productive performance, nutrient digestibility, hematological and biochemical parameters, carcass characteristics, meat quality, and feeding economics were evaluated and compared between the two dietary treatments.ResultsCommercial TMR lambs gained significantly more total weight (11.30 vs. 6.37 kg; P < 0.0001) and average daily gain (0.135 vs. 0.076 kg/day) with better feed conversion ratio (6.17 vs. 11.19 kg feed/kg gain; P = 0.0011) than lambs fed formulated TMR. Crude protein digestibility was significantly higher in formulated TMR (68.64 vs. 61.35%; P = 0.039), whereas neutral detergent fiber digestibility was significantly higher in commercial TMR (49.51 vs. 36.56%; P = 0.002). Animals fed commercial TMR had significantly greater slaughter weight (30.86 vs. 25.54 kg; P = 0.004), but dressing percentage did not differ between groups. Internal fat deposition was significantly lower (P = 0.012) in formulated TMR animals, with 35.4% less total internal fat (1.305 vs. 2.021 kg). Hematological variables were within normal physiological limits in both groups. Blood biochemical analysis showed significant time × treatment interactions for glucose (P = 0.001) and calcium (P = 0.020). No significant treatment effects were observed for any meat quality attributes, including ultimate pH (5.31 vs. 5.37), cooking loss (27.37 vs. 25.90%), and shear force (3.90 vs. 3.81 kg; all P > 0.05). The formulated TMR reduced daily feeding cost by 68.5% and lowered feed cost per kg live weight gain by 41.3% compared to commercial TMR. Hot carcass weight (13.42 ± 2.29 vs. 11.28 ± 2.32 kg; P = 0.053) and cold carcass weight (13.07 ± 2.25 vs. 11.03 ± 2.19 kg; P = 0.057) were similar between commercial and formulated TMR groups, respectively.Discussion/conclusionDespite lower fiber digestibility and metabolizable energy availability than commercial TMR, which translated to reduced growth performance, the formulated TMR offered substantial economic benefits with a 68.5% reduction in daily feeding cost and a 41.3% lower feed cost per kg live weight gain compared to commercial TMR. Meat quality, hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, and hematological profiles were unaffected, and internal fat deposition was reduced by 35.4%. The formulated TMR represents a viable and cost-effective option for sheep production in arid regions where date palm by-products, fish waste, and Moringa oleifera are locally available.

Throughout SE Asia, palms are important in agroforestry systems and homegardens. Most species are used for multiple purposes based on both physical and nutritional properties of the palms. Except for a few commodities of worldwide importance such as palm oil and coconut, many palm products either do not figure in trade statistics, or they are merged with other products in a way, which makes it difficult to assess their importance. Here we focus on these products that are not prominent in national trade statistics and we review their sustainability and economic importance in SE Asia. We rank the most important palms according to their versatility, which is an extremely important property, especially for smallholders who practice subsistence agriculture. We conclude by listing a number of recommendations for future research directions based on experiences from the recently completed EU 7th Framework project (EU-PALMS 2009-2013).