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Showing posts with label pili tree. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pili tree. Show all posts

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.