Each herb and spice has different function in foods. Related to spice, one of them is candlenut. It is different from other nuts although its appearance may seem like a walnut. Candlenut or candleberry has unique taste that can bring warmth. Then, it is quite strong aroma and that is why it gives significant element in cooking. However, the candlenut uses are not limited on the dishes. There are many other things that you should know.
Popular Uses of Candlenuts
You can find various uses of candlenuts. Although there are many applications, mostly the nut will be cooked or roasted properly before consumed. It is necessary because candlenut can be dangerous and even deadly when it is eaten raw. It has many poisonous substances, including cyanide. As long as it is cooked or roasted properly, the bad compounds will be omitted and it is safe to consume and process.
- Foods
The main candlenut uses can be found in foods. Various foods can use the nut. You can find different kinds of recipes when you go to Indonesia, Malaysia, or India. Because the candlenut trees grow in those countries, the local people have used the nuts for ages and they have lots of creativity on how to cook the nuts. Curries, stews, and soups are the most common variations. Mostly, people love the creaminess and oily texture coming from the candlenuts.
- Medical use
Traditionally, candlenuts have become part of ingredients for medicines. It was not only considered as spice, but it was also powerful and beneficial herb. Nowadays, it is proven that candlenut has many medicinal properties. For example, its essences can promote the HDL or good cholesterol in the body so it can promote the condition of heart. Then, its essences contain compounds that can lower the blood pressure. Additionally, candlenut uses can also be seen on the treatment of joints and bones. The high level of phosphorus can work well with calcium to maintain flexibility of joints and density of bones.
- Industrial application
Characteristics of candlenuts make it beneficial for industry. Based on various researches, it is found that candlenut can be processed and extracted to get ingredients to produce biofuel and lubricants. In the past, people only used the oils coming from the nuts to start fire or to make torches. In addition to lubricants and biofuels, candlenuts can become additional ingredients for cosmetics.
- Environmental uses
Next, environment becomes other aspects of the candlenut uses. The trees actually have properties that improve the quality of soils. Each tree has strong and deep roots so it can prevent erosion. Of course, its height supports the natural habitats for birds and insects. Furthermore, it has contribution in the development of biofuels and other sustainable power sources.
The candlenut is surely special. The scope of candlenut uses is not only limited to cooking. Even, it has great contribution for environment. There are many products that can be obtained from processing the nuts. Moreover, it has vast medical benefits, and there are still other researches to uncover more advantageous points coming from the candlenuts.
Comments are closed