Engkabang fruit (illipe Nut)
The engkabang tree (Shorea macrophylla) is a very tall dipterocarp in the light red meranti genus. The tree is endemic to Borneo.

The tree fruits infrequently (once every 4 to 5  years). The fruit have "wings" and "twirl" their way down to the ground ("helicoptering"). The fruits are highly perishable and need to be collected within a few days. Hence, the fruit is relatively difficult to obtain. But, once a plenty, it is most often processed into an oil or "buttery" fat. It is an ingredient of option in chocolate making (it's higher melting point helps in chocolate melting in the mouth than in your hand).
 


Six engkabang fruit. Two have germinated
 


Engkabang "butter" made by heating nuts to extract the fat.
Photo credit: Herbs Enclyclopedia
https://www.facebook.com/HerbsEncyclopedia/posts/engkabang-oil-shorea-macrophylla-called-as-sarawak-butter-has-different-names-su/956893384742308/

 

 

 

 

 

www.clemkuek.com

 

04 Nov 2023
 


 



Created by Clem Kuek