Tag: Kukui nut oil

Just like other plant-based oils, kukui nut oil will eventually go rancid due to its high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids. However, its shelf life and freshness can be significantly extended with proper storage techniques. Understanding the factors that cause kukui nut oil to spoil is the key to preserving its potent moisturizing and soothing benefits.

Raw kukui nuts contain dangerous toxins like saponins and phorbol esters, which is a critical fact to know before considering if you can cook with kukui nut oil. While the nuts have a place in traditional Hawaiian cuisine after careful roasting, commercially available oil is typically intended for topical use and is unsafe for ingestion.

According to traditional Southeast Asian and Hawaiian medicine, the oil extracted from the candlenut tree has been used for centuries to promote healthy, younger-looking skin and hair. The versatile benefits of candlenuts, also known as kukui nuts, extend from the kitchen to natural beauty regimens, making them a powerful and underestimated ingredient.

For centuries, Native Hawaiians have cherished the kukui tree for its diverse benefits, using its oil to protect skin from the harsh elements of sun, wind, and sea. This revered oil, extracted from the kukui or candlenut, is a powerhouse of nutrients with a surprisingly lightweight, non-greasy texture. So, what is kukui good for, and how can you incorporate it into your routine for healthier skin and hair?