A method for improving crude palm oil yields or separating the crude palm oil from the sludge or a combination thereof in palm fruit processing comprising: admixing a palm fruit or a portion thereof or a palm fruit extract and an enzyme, which enzyme degrades a phospholipid present in said palm fruit or portion thereof or palm fruit extract; and incubating the admixture at about 45° C. to about 95° C. for about 15 minutes to about 6 hours. Also included are uses of an enzyme which degrades a phospholipid.