Seeds are highly regarded in Melanesia as a food, a delicacy and in pastries as substitute for almonds. Mature fruits, dried over fires, are an important stored food in the Solomon Island.
The nuts have a unique taste and are considered by some to be comparable to macadamia nut. They are consumed fresh after removal of the testa or smoked or roasted and eaten as a snack or added to cooked dishes. 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 purpose. It is used as a substitute for coconut oil for cooking and illumination.
The uses of Canarium species
