A method for detaching fruits from oil palm fresh fruit bunches comprising the steps of loosening fruits on the fresh fruit bunch without substantial cooking, separating loosened fruits and cleaning separated fruits before subsequent processing. The fresh fruit bunch may optionally be broken into loose spikelets prior to the loosening, separating and cleaning steps. The fresh fruit bunch may optionally also have enzymes responsible for free fatty acid (FFA) deactivated before, during or after any step of the process. This detachment process has increased kernel extraction and lower costs because less water and energy is used. This detachment process can be done in an oil palm plantation or within the plantation’s vicinity which will reduce transportation costs. The detached fruits have low FFA and can be stored without significant deterioration in quality.
