Candlenut trees are planted from New Zealand to India. The trees bear drupes, the kernels of which are called kemiri nuts. In Germany, the fruits are still relatively unknown. In Southeast Asia, they are valued for their taste-enhancing effect and as an additional source of light.

Not a nut but a drupe

The kemiri nut is not - as the name suggests - a nut, but a stone fruit that grows on the candlenut tree. It grows up to five centimeters long and has a spherical shape.

It is often confused with the macadamia nut because it looks similar and is also very large. The two fruits have nothing else in common.

Under the dark shell is the whitish flesh, in which two kernels, the kemiri nuts, are embedded.

This is what the kemiri nut tastes like

The taste is described as sweet with a nutty undertone. Due to the high fat content, the fruit has an unpleasant oily aftertaste.

Uses of the kemiri nut

The kernels can not only be used as a condiment or snack. They contain a lot of oil. The fruits can be lit and then serve as a lamp replacement. This usage also explains the name of the tree.

In Indonesia, kemiri nuts are mainly used to thicken food. The fruits can be used for many purposes:

  • flavor enhancer
  • Spice with a slightly nutty taste
  • Oil Extraction (Kukui Nut Oil)
  • Snacks from the squeezed remains of the core
  • lamp oil
  • soap
  • Home remedies for skin diseases
  • Light laxative
  • Basis for cosmetics

The candlenut tree - a spurge plant

The candlenut tree is an evergreen tree that can reach a height of 20 meters. Its wide treetop is striking. The leaves can grow up to 25 centimeters long.

Can Kemiri nuts be grown in Germany?

Candlenut trees thrive in tropical climates up to an altitude of 1,200 meters. They love warmth and do not tolerate frost.

The climatic conditions in Germany are therefore not suitable for planting these trees. At most, candlenut trees can be kept in a greenhouse.

However, the use of the fruit has not yet caught on here.

tips and tricks

Because of their hydrocyanic acid content, raw kemiri nuts are poisonous. Eaten raw, the seeds cause severe abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. Roasting neutralizes the poison and the fruit can be made into a snack or ground up as a spice.

Category:

Vegetable garden