Pili Nut
Canarium ovatumA rare nut from the seed of a tree native to the Philippines, with a very high fat content and a buttery flavor. It is eaten roasted or coated in honey.
What Is Pili Nut?
Pili nut is the hard-shelled seed inside the fruit of a tree native to the Philippines (Canarium ovatum). Commercial production is concentrated almost entirely in the Bicol region of the Philippines, which is why pili nuts are rare worldwide.
They are very high in fat, giving them a buttery, creamy texture and flavor similar to macadamia nuts. They are usually eaten roasted as a salty snack or as a honey-coated sweet.
Nutritional Value of Pili Nuts
Roasted pili nuts provide about 700 kcal per 100 g; they are very high in fat and contain a moderate amount of protein. Values are approximate.
How Should Pili Nuts Be Eaten?
Pili nuts are eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet, taking their calorie density into account as a source of fat and protein.
This is general information; pili nuts are a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.
How to Choose Pili Nuts
Good pili nuts are cream to whitish in color, have a mild, fresh, buttery smell, and are free of mold spots. Avoid nuts that smell rancid or are darkened.
- They should be cream to whitish in color.
- They should smell mildly buttery and fresh.
- They should have no mold spots or rancid smell.
How to Store Pili Nuts
Store pili nuts in a sealed, dry container in a cool place; because of their high oil content, they can turn rancid if kept at room temperature for a long time.
Using Pili Nuts in Cooking
Pili nuts are used most often roasted and salted as a snack, in honey-coated sweets (candied pili), and in some desserts and baked goods; they are a regional souvenir from the Philippines.
Can Pili Nuts Be Compared with Macadamia Nuts?
Both are rare nuts with high fat content and a buttery, creamy texture. Pili nuts may have a slightly milder flavor; they can be used in place of one another to a limited extent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are pili nuts rare?
Because commercial production is concentrated almost entirely in certain regions of the Philippines, export volumes worldwide are limited.
Can pili nuts be eaten raw?
They can be eaten, but are traditionally roasted; roasting brings out their aroma.
Are pili nuts available in Türkiye?
They are generally not available; they can only be obtained through specialty imports from the Philippines or as a travel souvenir.