Macau Lifestyle
  • What's On

    Categories

    • Events Calendar
    • Macau Weekend
    • Monthly Hotlist
    • Giveaways
    • Entertainment

    Recent Stories

    Hong Kung Market 2020
    Weekender: Entering March With Food, Spa & Cultural Delights
    Macau Weekend
    Bar Stories Chapter 49 Bar in Hand on the Counter
    March in Macau: Dining, Arts, Culture & Family Events
    Monthly Hotlist
    Paulaner Wirtshaus Macau view from street
    Win a Bavarian Gastronomic Experience at Paulaner Wirtshaus Macau!
    Giveaways
  • Dining

    Categories

    • Restaurants
    • Local Eats
    • Cafes
    • Bars
    • Chef Spotlight

    Recent Stories

    The Manor Stories of the Sea Seventh Chapter Sea Urchin, fusilli Gentile red mullet bottarga, arugula ginger emulsion
    Where to Have the Best Pasta in Macau
    Dining
    Champagne tea set The St Regis Bar
    100 Years Afternoon Tea at The St. Regis Bar Macao: British Traditions & New York High Life
    Bars
    caffe b italian restaurant macau lunch dishes
    New Set Menu at Caffé B Macau: What’s for Lunch?
    Dining
  • Lifestyle

    Categories

    • Wellness
    • Weddings
    • Family
    • People

    Recent Stories

    Deolinda da Conceicao Macanese Writer
    Deolinda da Conceição: A 19th Century Influencer
    Culture
    Sheraton Fitness
    Best Hotel Gym Memberships in Macau
    Wellness
    Cartier LOVE necklace_18K pink gold
    Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for the Women in Your Life
    Lifestyle
  • Culture

    Categories

    • Arts
    • Heritage & History
    • Architecture
    • Artist Spotlight
    • Local Knowledge

    Recent Stories

    Deolinda da Conceicao Macanese Writer
    Deolinda da Conceição: A 19th Century Influencer
    Culture
    Artist Wu Yi – Tang Contemporary gallery- Macau Lifestyle WY1
    Wu Yi: A Painter’s Painter
    Artist Spotlight
    Cheong Kin Man Nighttime Facing the Camera
    Cheong Kin Man: The Story Listener in Search of New Narratives
    Artist Spotlight
  • Style

    Categories

    • Fashion
    • Jewelry & Watches
    • Beauty
    • Home

    Recent Stories

    Macau Lifestyle Morpheus Spa_Couple Spa Suite_02
    Best Facial Treatments in Macau
    Beauty
    CHLOE Mini Daria bag in Muted Brown
    Christmas Gift Ideas for the Women in Your Life
    Lifestyle
    Amalfi Coast coffee table books
    Inspiring Coffee Table Books for Your Home
    Home
  • Travel

    Categories

    • Macau
    • China
    • Asia
    • Oceania
    • Europe

    Recent Stories

    hong kong junk Day Trips Macau
    Best Day Trips from Macau
    Asia
    macau day trips ocean park hong kong
    Best Day Trips for the Whole Family
    Family
    kun iam ecumenic centre macau
    Weekend Walking Tour of Macau Peninsula’s Alternative Cultural Sites
    Culture
  • Hong Kong

    Categories

    • What's On
    • Dining
    • Things to Do
    • Hotels

    Recent Stories

    Artist Wu Yi – Tang Contemporary gallery- Macau Lifestyle WY1
    Wu Yi: A Painter’s Painter
    Artist Spotlight
    St. Regis Hong Kong, Premier Harbour Room 08
    Best Staycation Packages in Hong Kong
    Hong Kong
    Kerry Hotel Hong Kong
    Wake Up Here: Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong
    Hong Kong
  • Events
  • City Guide
  • 繁中
Dining
25 November, 2019
by Katya Maia

Introducing Pili Nut to the World with James and Steve Costello

Mount Mayon Premium Pili Nuts founders Dr James Costello and Dr Steve Costello

These days, not often the world of gastronomy is presented with a new exceptional product. Every ingredient, plant or herb seems to have been discovered, tested and tasted. Dr. James Costello and Dr. Steve Costello not only rediscovered the pili nut but also introduced Mount Mayon Pili Nuts to the global food scene. Thus winning the Supreme Champion Trophy and Best Imported Food at the Great Taste Golden Fork Awards.

There are not many secrets behind the success and it all comes down to love and purity during the production process. We met with Dr. James Costello and Dr. Steve Costello (yes, they are brothers) and learned why pili nuts are the “chosen one”.

Mount+Mayon+Volcano+Philippines

Mount Mayon Volcano in the Philippines

Mount Mayon is such a cool and mysterious brand name – what’s the story behind?

Steve: We first discovered Mount Mayon in 2008 looking for something unique in Asia to put into snack bars that we were making back in the day. At that time, James and I were pre-sprouting and dehydrating food, then realized through one of our dentists working with us in Hong Kong that there was a rainforest area in the Philippines where they had a lot of unique foods and products so we flew down to that area. There was a volcano–Mount Mayon–in the center of the rainforest of that area and it’s a live volcano, absolutely beautiful – one of the most symmetric volcanoes on Earth. We flew down to meet some people, such as a farmer and he introduced us to this nut, the pili nut, growing around Mount Mayon. When we tried the nut we thought it was alright, the way it was prepared. It was a village product, very local, in the Philippines.

So we bought a bunch of raw nuts and brought them back to Hong Kong, pre-sprouted and dehydrated. And this was the “wow” moment, this was something we haven’t experienced before.

James: In comparison to everything. We were trying everything, every nut and seed we could find in Asia. We were looking for something new in Asia. After the sprouting and dehydration process, the pili nut has changed so much, from tasting like urea to tasting like butter.

Pili means “the chosen one” in Tagalog. The variety of the tree that grows a big nut is only available in this region of the Philippines. They are so healthful, loaded with volcanic minerals.

When we started offering premium pili nuts to Michelin starred chefs, we were getting a 90 plus percent “wow” rate. Nobody has brought in a new nut on the market for decades. It’s been eaten in the Philippines for thousands of years but it never really got outside of the country because of the way it’s prepared there.

When we got a good response from the chefs, we’ve decided to enter some competitions and we won a number of awards in Brussels, Paris and London. In London, there were over 12,000 entries and we won the number one choice of the Great Taste Award.

Originally from the USA with degrees in biochemistry and dentistry, how did you end up in the food industry business?

James: We ran a dental practice in Hong Kong for twenty years and spent a lot of time with nutritional counseling. We got more excited about food and how it ties into medicine. So we started studying Chinese medicine and got deep into energetic life force and foods. And then we started to make the snack bars. At first, it was at home. We wanted to do our best, using the best ingredients for the bars and, of course, started sharing with our friends. Our hotel friends loved them so much that they started saying that if we were making them professionally, they would put them in the hotel rooms. And that was the beginning of the end of our dentistry.

This is how we started, got infected by the entrepreneur and established production in Macau. In the meantime, we discovered the pili nut but it was way too expensive to go into the bars’ recipe as one of the ingredients. So we’ve decided to package pili nuts on their own and the sales took off! Afterward, in 2017, we set up a new factory in the Philippines.

Mount Mayon Premium Pili Nuts open pili nut

You call pili nut the most remarkable nut on the planet, that’s quite a statement!

Steve: When we first launched the product, everybody was saying “Oh wow, there are so many calories in that”. Now that the keto-movement is on the rise, healthy fats are in favor! Generally, any nut or seed is good for you and it’s even better when it’s pre-sprouted and dehydrated. Pili nut, in particular, is very high in vitamin E, even higher compared to almonds. It’s also very high in magnesium which doesn’t get destroyed as the nut is not being roasted or overheated in any way.

Pili nut has the lowest carbohydrate content of any nut and people on a keto diet love that. The pili nut is very healthy!

 “17 steps to perfection” is on every package of Mount Mayon Premium Pili Nuts – why 17 in particular and are all 17 steps so important?

James: Originally, pili nuts are picked, cracked and cooked. But for Mount Mayon Premium Pili Nuts the process is much more complicated, and every step is quintessential. We call it our ancient Chinese secret (laughs) which really is “from tree to table” and that’s what makes it a global award winner.

Mount Mayon Premium Pili Nuts pili flavors product range

Ecuadorian Cacao, Kyoto Matcha and Himalayan Pink Salt Mount Mayon Premium Pili Nuts

Pili nuts from the Philippines, pink salt from the Himalayas, cacao from Ecuador and matcha from Kyoto – how did you choose these ingredients for the Mount Mayon product range?

Steve: With our medical background, we approach food the same way we approach our dentistry and that is finding the very best ingredients available, putting them together and seeing what happens.

We went all over the world, did taste tests and brought in the most amazing organic Ecuador cacao and Kyoto matcha. When you have Michelin-starred chefs taste it, they go “Wow”. In the current world where everybody is trying to do cheaper and faster food, we made a choice of making the best. Premium quality is the key for us. That’s why our product’s name is Mount Mayon Premium Pili Nuts.

There is a big hype about superfoods, why are superfoods not just another wellness fad?

Steve: Superfood is a catchy word. Every real food on the planet is a superfood. But there is more to it: it’s about being organic, real and naturally mineralized. And how the food is prepared is also important. People now care about nutrition, healthy fats, and mineralized soil origin. Needless to say, Mount Mayon pili nuts grow in highly mineral volcanic soil, which not only makes them super-superfood but also very tasty.

We look after the whole production process closely–our pili nuts come in small hand-picked batches from local farmers and we’ve been supporting that by setting up farmers’ cooperative and promoting fair trade.

There are so many wellness trends nowadays, from veganism to intermittent fasting and ketogenic diet – what’s right and wrong?

James: A lot of these trends are good. But without focusing too much on those, it’s obvious that calories matter. If you consume more calories you get bigger, whereas if you ingest fewer calories, you get smaller.

We met this monk about ten years ago in Hainan and asked him what’s the best food to eat. After an excessively long pause, he said: “Vegetable dumpling, made by your mother”. That says it all. The best thing when it comes to food is love.

What are the key things to health and longevity?

James: Having a good attitude about life, taking in things as they come, and be in a good mood. If you look at centenarians they generally are thinner people and not particularly fussy. So the recipe would be healthy food, exercise, positive attitude, and spirituality.

Mount Mayon Premium Pili Nuts pili product range

What are some delicious ways to enjoy Mount Mayon Pili Nuts?

James: If you go on Mount Mayon Pili Nuts Instagram page you would see chefs in Europe using pili nuts in some amazing ways. The cocoa and matcha ones are often used in pastries, salted ones in salads or even with a glass of wine; cacao pili nuts are also delicious with a cup of coffee. In the Philippines, pili nuts are added to curry and we just add them on anything we eat. It’s fun for chefs and foodies to try a new ingredient as you don’t see a lot of new great ingredients out there.

What’s on the horizon for Mount Mayon, anything new and exciting?

The newest product we have is a nut butter–pili nuts with a little bit of coconut sugar and pink Himalayan salt–it’s delicious! We have chili lime and Kerala coconut curry flavors which are amazing as well. We are also exploring the use of pili nut oil–it’s highly potent and we are very excited.


Follow Mount Mayon Pili Nuts on Instagram and Facebook

Mount Mayon Premium Pili Nuts [email protected], www.mountmayon.com

Tags

  • James Costello
  • Mount Mayon Pili Nuts
  • pili nut
  • Steve Costello

Related Posts

a-lorcha-restaurant-macau-feijoada-codfish-fritters-rice-wine-portuguese
Dining

A Lorcha Restaurant: Culinary Anchor of Portuguese Traditions

Halo Halo Anak Philipino Dessert Macau Lifestyle
Dining

Top To-Try Filipino Desserts In Macau

Chef Franckelie Laloum of Louise Hong Kong – Macau Lifestyle
Chef Spotlight

Franckelie Laloum on the Beauty & Authenticity of French Cuisine

Hon Kee cafe in Coloane
Dining

Best Breakfast Spots in Macau to Eat Like a Local

Trending Posts

Paulaner Wirtshaus Macau view from street
Giveaways

Win a Bavarian Gastronomic Experience at Paulaner Wirtshaus Macau!

Macau Weekend, What's On

Weekender: Entering March With Food, Spa & Cultural Delights

Bars, Dining

100 Years Afternoon Tea at The St. Regis Bar Macao: British Traditions & New York High Life

Dining, Restaurants

Where to Have the Best Pasta in Macau

  • Editor's Picks

    Paulaner Wirtshaus Macau view from street Giveaways

    Win a Bavarian Gastronomic Experience at Paulaner Wirtshaus Macau!

    We’ve partnered with Taipa Village Macau and Paulaner Wirtshaus Macau to give away vouchers to enjoy the best of Bavarian gastronomy in Macau!

    Featured image: Chinese depiction of a woman from atlantic countries circa 18th century Source: Review of Culture Culture

    Historic Women in Macau: Empowering Communities Across Time

    We all have an idea of what being a woman during the earlier centuries meant. These prominent women in Macau proved that their gender wasn’t a hindrance.

    LondonerMainLR Hotels

    Unveiling The Londoner Macao: The Newest Jewel in Cotai’s Crown

    The Londoner Macao is a unique addition to the vibrant skyline of Macau meticulously designed, making it a true celebration of timeless British design.

    Cuppa Coffee Macau Dining

    Good Morning Macau: Best Cafes for Breakfast

    As breakfast is the most important meal of the day, here’re our favorite cafes in Macau to head to for a hearty breakfast!

    Mandarin Oriental, Macau_The Mandarin Cake Shop_Signature Cake_Pink Bloom Cafes

    That Takes the Cake! The Mandarin Cake Shop’s Cakes for Every Taste

    The Mandarin Cake Shop’s cakes will make your heart beat faster and complement any ocassion! Don’t believe us? Try it for yourself!

    hiro ramen venetian macau lifestyle Dining

    Get Warm: Best Ramen Spots in Taipa

    We have composed a list of the best ramen spots in Taipa to warm your heart and soul, the Japanese way, with a hot bowl of ramen!

    Sichuan Moon Chinese Restaurant Macau Dining

    The Most Outstanding Chinese Restaurants in Macau

    We’ve dedicated this page to the best restaurants serving Chinese food that entices even the most discerning palates from all over the world.

    Cotai Picture Wide Macau Lifestyle Macau

    10 Free Things to Do in Macau

    Glamorous and buzzing Macau has a lot to offer even for those on a shoe-string budget. Find out the coolest and free things to do in Macau.

    Coloane hiking trail Culture

    Guide to Coloane’s Hiking Trails

    Coloane is home to most of the hiking trails in town. We walked them all and came up with the most comprehensive Coloane hiking trails guide.

    African Chicken from Riquexo Macau Lifestyle Dining

    Macanese Craze: Where to Get African Chicken in Macau

    African chicken is a truly Macanese dish, even though it doesn’t sound so. We’ve toured Macau looking for the best and here they are!

    caffe b italian restaurant macau lunch dishes Dining

    New Set Menu at Caffé B Macau: What’s for Lunch?

    To treat its patrons and attract new guests, our favorite casual Italian restaurant, Caffe B Macau, recently launched new lunch sets. From Mediterranean classics to chef’s innovative twists, the new set menus have all the chances to become your favorite middle-of-the-day meal in town. One winter afternoon, we headed to Nam Van Lake to visit Caffe B and see what’s up for lunch. 

    AJ Hackett Macau Skywalk giveaway Macau Lifestyle Local Knowledge

    Everything You Need to Do in Macau at Least Once

    Take a dive into this article and find out what to do to spend your precious time in Macau and maximize it to enjoy the city at its fullest!

    ramen pro macau lifestyle Dining

    Delicious Ramen Spots in Macau

    A hot bowl of Japanese ramen would surely satisfy any noodle craving. Slurp away at these ramen places in Macau!

    Collage of Calcada do Amparo Area Wall Paintings Macau Lifestyle Arts

    Colorful Macau: Best Street Art Hotspots

    Looking for something different to discover in the city? Explore the lesser travelled paths of Macau to find stunning local street art.

    The Moss Natural Life - handmade soaps sustainable shopping macau Wellness

    Sustainable Shopping in Macau

    If you are looking for places to shop for packaging-free, eco-friendly and sustainable items in Macau, here is a good list to embark on your journey.

    quarter square coffee on table exterior Dining

    The Ultimate Guide to Macau’s Best Coffee Shops

    Coffee makes the world go round and even if you don’t fancy it, it definitely brings people together so here are the best coffee shops in Macau!

    The Cheesecake Factory Macao pancakes Cafes

    Great Places for Pancakes in Macau

    Looking for pancake places around Macau? Hunting for butter-browned, soft and fluffy pancakes? We think you’ll be satisfied with our list!

    10-things-to-do-in-coloane-chapel-francis-xavier Culture

    10 Beautiful Catholic Churches in Macau

    Other than the glitz of the casinos and hotels, the beautiful Catholic churches show a different, historical side of Macau.

    Zics Macau Brand Source Facebook page Fashion

    Macau Fashion Brands: Celebrate Local Design

    Discover some Macau fashion brands that are making waves due to the fabulous designers behind each of their fresh and genius creations.

    The Ritz-Carlton Bar & Lounge Gin Collection Bars

    Best Places for Happy Hour in Macau

    After a long day at work, you need a relaxing place to unwind. We have the best places in Macau for happy hour deals on drinks and snacks!

    Macau Youth Street Dance Association single shot x Macau Lifestyle Arts

    Macau Youth Street Dance Association: Jarvis Mo on the Local Dance Scene

    We speak to Jarvis Mo, the president of the Macau Youth Street Dance Association, about the street dance culture in Macau, and more!

    Waffles with Coffee at Rooftop Macau Exterior Macau Lifestyle Cafes

    Best Waffle Spots in Macau

    Best shared with your friends or perhaps on a first date, here are the best waffle places in Macau for your next catch up session.

    Mighty Green Featured Cintia and Guilherme Lifestyle

    Mighty Greens: The Powerful Micro-Greens Making Their Way Across Macau Restaurants

    Guilherme Martins and Cintia Milk, behind Mighty Greens has an indoor farm in Macau producing nutritious tiny plants called “micro-greens”.

    Maria do Leste Bloody Mary from St Regis Macao Updated Photo 2020 Bars

    Shaken or Stirred: Macau’s Best Cocktails

    The world of mixology often proves to be as diverse and surprising as the one of gastronomy. Exercising talent and immense creativity, Macau’s bartenders keep creating signature cocktails that impress us with both flavors and presentation. If you are tired and bored with mojitos and negronis and need tips on what else to try, check out our guide to Macau’s best cocktails. 

    Macau Lifestyle Morpheus Spa_Couple Spa Suite_02 Beauty

    Best Facial Treatments in Macau

    With so many world-class spas in Macau, we recommend that you indulge in a facial treatment that will make you feel good at the start of 2021!

  • About
  • The Team
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact Us

COPYRIGHT © 2021 • MACAU LIFESTYLE

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Receive Macau Events Agenda, the Hottest Giveaway Offers and the Latest Article Updates!

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok