Pili Nut
Canarium ovatumA rare nut with a very high fat content and buttery taste, obtained from the seed of a tree native to the Philippines. Eaten roasted or coated in honey.
What Is Pili Nut?
Pili nut is the hard-shelled kernel inside the fruit of a tree (Canarium ovatum) native to the Philippines. Its commercial production is concentrated almost entirely in the Bicol region of the Philippines, making it a rare nut found around the world.
Its fat ratio is very high; this gives it a buttery-creamy texture and taste close to macadamia nuts. It is generally toasted and consumed as a salty snack or as a honey-coated dessert.
Nutritional Values of Pili Nut
100 grams of roasted pili nut contains approximately 700 kcal of energy; it carries very high fat and a moderate amount of protein. Values are approximate.
How Should Pili Nut Be Consumed?
Pili nut, as a source of fat and protein, is consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, taking its calorie density into account.
This information is general; pili nut is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.
How to Choose Pili Nut?
A good pili nut is one whose color is creamy-whitish, whose smell is mildly buttery-fresh, and which has no mold spots. Ones with a bitter smell or a blackened color are not preferred.
- Color should be creamy-whitish
- Smell should be mildly buttery-fresh
- Should have no mold spots or bitter smell
How Is Pili Nut Stored?
Pili nut is stored in a dry, closed container in a cool place; due to its high fat ratio, it may turn rancid if kept at room temperature for a long time.
Using Pili Nut in the Kitchen
Pili nut is most often toasted and salted as a snack, used as a honey-coated dessert (candied pili), and in some dessert-pastry items; it is a regional souvenir product of Filipino cuisine.
Can Pili Nut Be Compared to Macadamia Nut?
Yes; both are rare, high-fat nuts with a buttery-creamy texture. Pili nut may have a slightly milder taste; they can be used in place of each other to a limited extent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is pili nut rare?
Since its commercial production is concentrated almost entirely in certain regions of the Philippines, its export volume worldwide is limited.
Is pili nut eaten raw?
It can be eaten raw, but it is traditionally consumed toasted; the toasting process brings out its aroma.
Is pili nut available in Turkey?
It is not available; it can only be obtained through special imports from the Philippines or as a travel souvenir.