Candlenut

Candlenut (Aleurites moluccanus) is the seed of the candlenut tree, widely used as a cooking ingredient, especially in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. It has a round shape, a creamy to light brown color, and a hard texture before being processed.

In culinary applications, candlenut is often used as a thickening agent and flavor enhancer in various dishes, such as curries, sambals, and soups. However, it contains toxic compounds when raw, so it must be roasted or cooked before consumption.

Beyond cooking, candlenut also has other benefits, such as being an ingredient in beauty products and traditional medicine. Candlenut oil is commonly used to strengthen hair and nourish the scalp.