What is candel nut?

The candlenut is a nut produced by trees in the Aleurites genus, particularly Aleurites moluccana, which is also known as the "kukui nut." The candlenut is commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine for its rich and nutty flavor, often used as a thickening agent for soups and sauces, or ground into a paste for curries and spice blends. The tree is also cultivated for its oil, which is used as a cooking oil, and for its wood, which is used in woodworking and carving. However, it is important to note that the raw nut is mildly toxic and must undergo a cooking or roasting process to remove the toxins before consumption.