Demand for palm kernels soars amid summer heat

Raw palm kernels (talshash) have started appearing in local markets. Along with mangoes, jamun, jackfruit, and litchi, the demand for palm kernels as a refreshing summer food is also increasing.

With the sudden arrival of intense heat across the country, children, teenagers, adults, and the elderly are finding comfort in palm kernels.

This year, demand for palm kernels has increased significantly compared to previous years.

To meet the growing demand, traders are collecting palm fruits from rural areas and selling the kernels on roadsides and in local markets.

As a result, people are finding some relief from the heat by consuming this natural, formalin-free fruit.

A visit to various areas of the upazila including Saltia, Gafargaon Municipality, Panchbagh, Rasulpur Kandipara, and Mosakhali Bazar revealed vendors selling palm kernels from vans at busy intersections. Large crowds of buyers were also seen purchasing the seasonal delicacy.

Palm kernel seller Kalam said that when the palm fruit is immature, its kernels are sold in the market as talshash (palm kernels). Depending on their size, each kernel sells for Tk 15 to Tk 20.

He added that each palm fruit contains two to three kernels. However, many palm trees are dying prematurely due to a lack of proper care and maintenance.

Nazmul, another palm kernel vendor near the municipal police station intersection, said, “We sell palm kernels from vans at different markets. The business generates between Tk 500 and Tk 1,000 in sales daily.”

Mojibur of Rasulpur Bazar said that while many fruits in the market are often treated with chemicals or formalin, palm kernels remain free from such additives.

“They are also very refreshing and help reduce fatigue. That is why I eat palm kernels regularly during the summer,” he said.

Sohel Rana of the Panchbagh area said that there were once large numbers of palm trees throughout the upazila.

Every year, however, hundreds of trees are cut down for household use, brick kilns, and fuel. In addition, many trees are dying from unknown diseases and inadequate care.

He emphasized the need to preserve palm trees to protect biodiversity and help prevent environmental degradation.

Palm is a well-known fruit tree found throughout the tropical regions of Asia and Africa. In rural Bangladesh, its fruit is commonly known as panital.

The palm tree belongs to the genus Borassus of the Arecaceae family. Palm fruits and kernels are popular foods among Bengalis.

Traditional snacks such as palm fritters (taler fuluri) are made from the pulp of ripe palm fruits. The kernels are also widely consumed as a refreshing seasonal treat.

Palm kernels contain various vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B, and C, as well as zinc, potassium, iron, and calcium. They also contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds.

This nutritious fruit consists of approximately 92.3 percent water and provides about 29 calories, 6.5 grams of sugar, and 43 milligrams of calcium per serving, along with other essential nutrients.

Buyers say that the price of palm kernels is much higher this year than last year. Nevertheless, demand remains strong because they are a seasonal and delicious fruit.

The price increase in Gafargaon has largely been driven by the ongoing heatwave. People continue to buy and consume palm kernels to stay hydrated and meet their nutritional needs.

Despite the higher prices, hardworking people are willing to pay for them because of their refreshing qualities.

Due to high demand, palm kernels are sold individually according to the number of kernels inside each fruit.

A large palm fruit containing a single kernel sells for around Tk 8, while a fruit containing three kernels sells for approximately Tk 24.

Smaller kernels are available for around Tk 5 each. Buyers continue to purchase them regardless of the price.

Apan, a palm kernel seller in front of Gafargaon Mini Stadium, said, “I buy palm fruits from villages and sell the kernels from a van. Depending on the variety, each fruit costs me Tk 8 to Tk 10.

I sell the kernels for Tk 15 to Tk 20 each. I have been doing this for the last 15 days and earn around Tk 900 to Tk 1,000 in sales daily. The income makes the hard work worthwhile.”

Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Zamal Uddin said that palm kernels offer numerous health benefits.

“They contain a variety of vitamins and minerals and are a good source of dietary fiber. Regular consumption may help reduce the risk of colon cancer.

However, they should be washed and consumed hygienically, as contaminated kernels may increase the risk of diarrhea,” he said.