The pili is indigenous to the Philippines. The crop’s center of genetic diversity is the Bicol region (Fig. 6), possibly in the virgin rainforests surrounding Mt. Bulusan, in the Province of Sorsogon. In the forests of this province, very old pili nut trees measuring more than 50 m in height can still be found today.
The trees have spread northward to the other three provinces (Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte) of the region located on the island of Luzon. Old pili trees can still be found in these provinces. The trees have spread further to the island provinces of Catanduanes in the north and Masbate, in the Bicol region. The trees have also spread out of the Bicol region, to the Province of Quezon in the Southern Tagalog region.
The pili is an erect to spreading, deciduous, predominantly dioecious, medium-sized to large tree that may reach a height of 30 m or more. Very old trees can have a trunk diameter of more than 50 cm. The leaves have persistent deltoid to lingulate stipules, are spirally arranged, imparipinnate and about 40 cm long. The fruit, commonly referred to as a nut, but botanically a drupe, is ovoid to ellipsoid, 4-7 cm long, 2.3-3.8 cm in diameter and weighs 15.7-45.7 g. The pulp is composed of a thin skin (exocarp), which is smooth and shiny, and turns from light green to purple or nearly black when the fruit ripens, and a fibrous, thick flesh.
Economically, the pili nut kernel is the most important part of the fruit and has many uses. When eaten raw, it is crispy and has a delicious flavor. It is also eaten roasted, fried or sugar-coated. It is frequently used as an ingredient in cakes, puddings and ice cream, and when cooked in syrup, makes a good preserve. The roasted kernel is sometimes used in chocolate-making. It is also rich in oil, which is suitable for culinary purposes. At present, extraction of the oil from the pili kernel is not being explored owing to an inadequate supply of nuts, even for the kernel industry.
photo from montosogardens.com, flickr.com
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This is Owen from china. i am looking for the pili nuts. if u still have this business pls text me 09151052797 or 09238918320 . we will need more than ten tons every month , we need 15 tons now, if u have can u give me ur price and how many can u deliver every month in the future. my email is fly_ways@yahoo.cn
salamat
salamat sa info
Hi,
I am interested to know where I can buy pili nuts. We have a thesis project about pili nuts germination and growth.. and we want to germinate its seed as well as to sow it.. i live in manila…
thanks
Thank you so much for sharing this information! The pili nut has completely piqued my interest. I’m extremely interested in any information about pili nut suppliers. Please contact me in the email address I’ve provided.
Cheers!
Marie O.
@Marie, check pili nut suppliers here:
http://www.sulit.com.ph/index.php/classifieds+directory/q/pili+nut
I would like to know where in Manila can we attend seminar and training on pili nuts processing. Need to know the processing operation for future business consideration.
Thanks.
@check with trc or nego-skwela for their advance schedule:
http://www.mixph.com/2006/03/trainings-and-seminars-institutions.html
i am a student of laguna college of business and arts calamba city. i would like to ask for some details and information of how much will be the cost if we purchase pili nuts from your company or any other related pili nut fam. please indicated the cost per kilo or per sack of unshelled pili nut and its \delivery cost. thank you very much this a great help for the fulfillment of my feasibilty study. here is my contact number and emaiil add 09218764719 ervin_vilador@yahoo.com.ph
I read your posted message..i am interested in pili nuts, especially whole kernel only. If you could guide me I will ne very happy. Thank you very much.
Butch Paredes
0915-1988-560
Looking for unshelled pili nut suppliers, preferably from farmer cooperatives or direct from farmers themselves.
Please contact me by email as indicated in my user name.