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Friday, August 1, 2025

Pili nuts, Canarium ovatum

Pili nuts are the edible seeds of the pili tree (Canarium ovatum), a tropical tree native to the Philippines and other parts of Southeast Asia. Here's an overview of this unique and nutritious nut:

๐ŸŒฐ Basic Facts

  • Scientific name: Canarium ovatum
  • Family: Burseraceae (frankincense family)
  • Native range: Philippines (especially Bicol Region), also grown in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and Malaysia
  • Tree height: 10–20 meters (33–66 feet)
  • Nut size: 2–3 inches long, hard shell with a pointed end

    ๐Ÿฅœ Edible Nut

  • Raw kernel: Soft, chewy, and bland
  • Roasted kernel: Rich, buttery, and similar to macadamia nuts or pine nuts
  • Shell: Very hard and woody; requires specialized cracking tools

    To read please click on image to get larger and better information.

    ๐Ÿงช Nutritional Highlights (per 100g)

  • High fat content: ~70% (mostly monounsaturated fats)
  • Protein: ~11g
  • Low carbs: ~4g
  • Rich in: Magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, vitamin E, thiamin
  • Keto-friendly and paleo-friendly

    ๐Ÿฝ️ Culinary Uses

  • Eaten roasted or raw (after blanching)
    Added to:
  • Granola
  • Smoothies
  • Baked goods
  • Vegan cheeses
  • Turned into pili nut butter
  • Traditional Filipino sweets like mazapan de pili

    ๐ŸŒณ Growing the Pili Tree

  • Climate: Tropical; frost-intolerant
  • Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral
  • Propagation: Seeds or grafting
  • Fruiting time: 5–6 years after planting
  • Harvest season: May to October

    ๐Ÿ“ฆ Interesting Facts

  • Pili nuts oxidize quickly, so they're often vacuum-packed or frozen for freshness.
  • The tree is also valued for resin, timber, and ornamental planting.
  • The outer pulp (normally discarded) is edible and can be cooked or pickled.
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