A method for the recovery of fatty acids comprising a salt of the fatty acid is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: (a) reacting the salt of the fatty acid with CO.sub.2 and with a reagent other than hydroxide and selected from a group of compounds carrying at least one of O--H, N--H, S--H, C--O--C and C--O--N moieties, to form a reaction mixture comprising at least one of a carbonate and a bicarbonate and a product selected from fatty acids and derivatives thereof, and (b) separating the product from the reaction mixture. A method for the production of fatty acid ester from free fatty acid of crude vegetable oil is also disclosed. A free fatty acid that is substantially free of emulsifier is also disclosed.