Candlenut oil facts for kids
Candlenut oil or kukui nut oil is a special oil that comes from the nut of the candlenut tree. This tree is scientifically known as Aleurites moluccanus. People have used this oil for a very long time, especially for taking care of their skin.
About the Candlenut Tree and its Oil
The candlenut tree grows in many parts of the world. You can find it widely across Polynesia, including places like Hawaii. It also grows in South Asia and China. People have even brought it to the West Indies.
The oil from the candlenut is quite valuable. It's known as a "drying oil," which means it can harden when it's exposed to air. This property makes it useful for certain products. In the past, people also used candlenut oil as a way to light lamps.
To get the oil, the nuts are first crushed. Then, the oil can be taken out. If the oil is pressed out, it might look a bit darker because of small bits of impurities. It's amazing to know that about half the weight of a candlenut kernel is actually oil!
Candlenut oil is made up of different kinds of fats. These include oleic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid. The exact amounts of these fats can vary a little depending on where the candlenut trees grow.
Historically, candlenut oil was valued for its ability to soften and smooth the skin. It was used as an emollient. Today, it is still mostly used in skin-care products because of these helpful qualities.
Other Names for Candlenut Oil
Candlenut oil is also known by other names in different places:
- Spanish walnut (in Jamaica)
- Belgaum walnut oil (in India)
- Kekune oil (in Sri Lanka)
