Nuts like cashews, pistachios, almonds and the like have all had their time to shine. That said, there are so many more variants that are quite a joy to eat and great for your health and well-being. For example, pili nuts are rich in nutrients that can help your skin and body. Unfortunately, most people have never even heard of them before. 

What Are Pili Nuts?

Pili nuts are tear-shaped nuts native to Southeast Asia, typically cultivated in the Philippines. They typically have a hard shell that can be quite tougher than most nuts, though some already de-shell them so that they’re ready for consumption. 

Some people eat pili nuts raw, while others try to roast them or incorporate them into recipes. Their general flavor profile is rather earthy and tender when prepared properly. They are vetted as a vegan-friendly and keto-friendly snack. 

How Are Pili Nuts Healthy?

The best thing about pili nuts is the amount of health benefits that they have, from being surprisingly filling to skin-enhancing and more. Here are the perks to keep in mind:

1. Fills You With Energy

Nuts are a known superfood when it comes to fueling you with energy, and pili nuts are no exception to this rule. An ounce of these contains three grams of protein, so you can get a sizable amount of energy if you snack on them. 

Pili nuts also have 13 grams of unsaturated fats, which is common in plant-based foods. Don’t get confused— these are considered the good kind of fats that can boost your energy without making you sluggish and help with easing inflammation. 

2. Improves the Skin

Pili nuts are also great for improving your skin. Their oils are used in some skincare products, typically coveted for their Vitamin E content. These vitamins can help bring a radiant glow to your skin and minimize inflammation, which is ideal for those with eczema or other sensitive skin conditions. 

3. Boosts the Immune System

Vitamin E also works as an antioxidant. While it helps with the exterior of your skin, it can also help with your inner health. It shields the immune cells from damage and enhances their ability to ward off viruses. While pili nuts won’t automatically make you invincible, the extra boost is still a good perk for such a tiny food. 

4. Strengthens the Bones and Teeth

Pili nuts, like most other nuts, contain a great deal of magnesium and phosphorus. This combination is the ideal mix for keeping your bones and teeth healthy. There’s also evidence that magnesium on its own can support certain bone minerals in the hip and femoral neck. It can even prevent the development of osteoporosis when combined with other bone nutrients. 

5. Lessens Inflammation

Pili nuts are already established as an anti-inflammatory agent, but it’s key to revisit just how effective they are. Locals in the Philippines turn pili into an antirheumatic agent that can lessen leg swelling, treat fever, ulcers and more. While further research is needed, there is enough anecdotal evidence to consider getting them for this use. 

6. Easy to Digest

Certain nuts like walnuts and peanuts may be hard to digest and should only be eaten in moderation. In contrast, cooked pili nuts are quite easy to digest and consume. Some may even take them raw as a laxative. However, it’s key to avoid this if you have a weaker stomach to avoid any adverse effects. 

Why Are Pili Nuts So Expensive?

Pili nuts are expensive because of the extensive processing can be. These are wild trees that are only available in Asia, so they are not as abundant as almond trees and the like. And if you factor in that they have to be imported from another country, that can also rack up the price. 

There are suggestions to mechanize the production process, as it can shorten the processing time and boost the yield. However, this will require further global demand and other resources, such as government support.

Pili Nut Recipes

Once you’ve acquired packaged pili nuts, they’re generally ready to eat. However, there are some recipes that you can try out to elevate the food options. 

1. Caramelized Pili Nuts

Glazed or caramelized pili nuts are one of the most popular variations to try out, and it’s relatively easy to do with just sugar, water and oil. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Prepare your pili nuts by boiling them in water, making the skin easier to remove
• Add your deshelled pili nuts to an oiled pad and stir-fry them for a couple of minutes
• Pour enough sugar to coat the pili nuts after they turn golden brown
• Slow cook them until you let the sugar caramelize while on the nuts
• Make sure each nut is coated evenly before removing the pan from the heat
• Transfer to a bowl and let them cool before serving

2. Fall Spiced Nuts

If you’re a fan of fall flavors, consider creating fall-spiced nuts. The warm flavors will suit pili nuts, and you can add more unsalted variants as you wish for texture. Here are the steps: 

• Add your nuts of choice to a greased baking sheet
• Mix maple syrup with cinnamon, garam masala, brown sugar, cardamom, salt and water
• Pour over the mixed nuts and toss them around to coat every single one
• Roast in the oven until it eventually caramelizes
• Take out the tray out and let it cool before breaking them apart and serving

3. Pili Nut Romesco Sauce

Blend in Philippine and Spanish flavors together by making a pili nut romesco sauce. Here’s an overview of the steps to Erwan Heusaff’s recipe:

• Roast eggplants and bell peppers, then let them cool and remove charred skin
• Blend with pili nuts, olive oil, sundried tomatoes, red wine vinegar and water
• Season with salt and pepper as you’d like
• Top on toast with cheese and egg according to your liking

@erwan

Another fun way to use our beautiful pili nuts mixed with our love for grilled eggplants. Pili Nut “Romesco” Sauce with Grated Egg on Toast 2 Roasted bell peppers 2 Roasted small eggplants ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil 1/3 cup of Roasted Pili Nuts 2 tbsps red wine vinegar 1 tsp smoked paprika 4 sundried tomatoes Water to loosen Salt and pepper to taste Boiled then frozen eggs Sourdough bread

♬ Day Tripper – The Spacemen

Pick Up the Healthiest Nuts Ever

Pili nuts can be quite a healthy and new option that you can introduce to your diet. Plus, they are versatile, so you can incorporate them into skin care products, food recipes and more. Share the word with a fellow nut lover on your social media!