Pili Nut (Canarium ovatum)

Family: Burseraceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Commercially cultivated in the Philippines for its edible nuts and various other uses, Pili nut or Canarium ovatum is a tropical, evergreen tree that grows up to 25 m tall and bole diameter up to 50 cm. It is a symmetrically shaped dioecious species. It flowers frequently and is resistant to strong winds but cannot withstand low temperature. Its fruit is a drupe.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds, Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet nuts have a delicious flavour. — Seed - raw or cooked.; The sweet nuts have a delicious flavour.; When raw, their flavour resembles roasted pumpkin seed, when roasted their mild, nutty flavour and tender, crispy texture are superior to the almond.; They can also be used in confections, ice cream, nut milks etc, and as an adulterant to chocolate.

Habitat & North American Range

Forests where rainfall is abundant. Low to medium elevations in primary and secondary forests. (Zone 10)