Crude and oxidized palm oil were steam-distilled in vacuo to obtain volatile aroma compounds. The steam distillate was then extracted continuously using dichlorimethane and the extract was concentrated. The concentrate was analysed using gas chromatography; identification of compounds was by mass spectrometry. The steam disstillate from cride palm oil contained compounds such as 2,2,6-trimethylcyclohexanone, 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohex-2-enone, nonanone, nonanal, ethyl benzoate, linalol, trans-allo-ocimene, β-cyclocitral and ionol which were found to be associated with the aroma of fresh palm oil in the aromagram. 3,3,5-Trimethylcyclohex-2-enone was found to have a distinctive palmy, nutty aroma. C_4-10 alkanals, C_5,9,10 2-alkanones, C5,9 alkanols, C_6-9 2-alkenals, C4-5 2-alkylfurans, C_6,10 2,4-alkadiena ls, 2,2,6-trimethylcyclohexanone and γ-heptalactone were detected in oxidized palm oil.