Candle Nut
(Aleurites moluccana)
In Hawaii the Candlenut tree, or Kukui, is considered a symbol of peace, protection, and enlightenment.
Due to its multiple uses, the Candlenut tree has been designated as the state tree of Hawaii.
Although the raw fruit is poisonous, the fruit of the Candlenut tree can be prepared as a food source and has been used in traditional medicinal treatments.
Candle nuts look similar to macadamia nuts, however their taste is quite different.
The roasted slivers have a pleasant nutty flavor and candle nut is used in many Asian dishes, particularly curries, as a thickening agent.
The Candlenut tree derives its name from the fact that the fruit can be burned like a candle containing a flammable oil, up to 70% by content. Hawaiians also extracted the oil from the Candlenut tree fruit and burned it in a stone oil lamp with a cloth wick.
Other Common Names: Buah Keras, Kemiri Kernels, Country Walnut .
Botanical Name: (Aleurites moluccana)
WARNING: candle nuts are toxic when eaten raw, however the toxicity dissipates upon cooking. Our Candle Nut should always be cooked before using as a food, and should never be eaten raw, as it contains alkaloids that are destroyed as part of the cooking process, making it safe to eat.
Regarding "Latin Seed" sold as "candlenut" test results indicate that the nuts may not be candlenuts, but the poisonous seed of the Yellow Oleander. At HERBIE'S SPICES We only sell our herbs and spices for culinary use, and recommend consulting a reputable health professional before using any of our products for therapeutic use. We do not sell the Latin Seed product that comes from a different geographic location to our Candle Nut.
| Botanical Name | (Aleurites moluccana) |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Buah Keras, Kemiri Kernels |
| Flavor | Pleasantly nutty |
| Contains | Candle nuts |
| Application | Asian dishes, curries, used as a thickening agent |
