Engkabang or Illipenut

It is said that there are 7 species of engkabang or illipenut, one of the most famous exports of Sarawak during the Colonial Days, before Malaysia was formed.

The Ibans have named them thus: engkabang jantung (Shorea macrophylla), engkabang bintang (Shorea splendida), engkabang gading (Shorea helmsleyana), engkabang terendak (Shorea simins), engkabang asu (Shorea palembanica), engkabang rusa (Shorea stenoptera) and engkabang langai bukit (Shorea pinanga).

To make oil from these winged fruits, follow these steps:




1. take off the skin from the fruits and dry for at least 48 hours.


2. Crack the nut and take out the kernel.



3. Boil the kernels until they are soft.
4. Press or pound (using a wooden pestle and mortar)
5. Pour the oil into bamboo stems and let it solidify.






This tree butter is excellent with hot rice. Enjoy!!