Buchanania cochinchinensis

Buchanania cochinchinensis (syn. Buchanania lanzan) is a deciduous tree which produces seeds that are edible to humans.[2] It is native to the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and adjacent parts of China.[1] It is known as chironji (or charoli[3]). These almond-flavoured seeds are used as a cooking spice primarily in India.[4] Buchanania cochinchinensis is cultivated across India, primarily in the northwest. After the hard shell is cracked, the stubby seed within is as soft as a pine nut.[4]

Buchanania cochinchinensis
Charoli nuts
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Sapindales
Family: Anacardiaceae
Genus: Buchanania
Species:
B. cochinchinensis
Binomial name
Buchanania cochinchinensis
(Lour.) M.R.Almeida
Synonyms[1]
List
    • Buchanania lanzan Spreng.
    • Buchanania latifolia Roxb.
    • Lanzana solitaria Stokes
    • Loureira cochinchinensis (Lour.) Meisn.
    • Lundia mangiferoides Puerari ex DC.
    • Spondias elliptica Rottb. ex Hook.f.
    • Spondias simplicifolia Rottler
    • Toluifera cochinchinensis Lour.
    • Glycosmis cochinchinensis (Lour.) Pierre ex Engl.

The charoli seed is lentil-sized, is slightly flattened and has an almond-like flavour. Though they can be eaten and used raw they are often toasted or roasted before use, as this intensifies the flavour.[3]

They are commonly used in sweets in India. They are also ground into powders for thickening savory sauces and flavoring batters, and stewed into rich, meaty kormas.[4] Charoli seeds are used in the Ayurveda and Unani systems of medicine.[5]

References
  1. "Buchanania cochinchinensis (Lour.) M.R.Almeida". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 21 March 2022.
  2. "Buchanania lanzan Spreng". India Biodiversity Portal. Archived from the original on 2017-12-05. Retrieved 2017-12-05.
  3. "Celtnet Spice Guide Engtry for Chironji". Celtnet Spice Guide. August 11, 2012. Archived from the original on 27 July 2014. Retrieved October 15, 2012.
  4. Bowen, Dana (April 28, 2004). "TEMPTATION; Charoli Nuts Flavor the Dishes, and Memories, of Indian Chefs". New York Times. Archived from the original on April 17, 2010. Retrieved April 28, 2010.
  5. Pankaj Oudhia, Robert E. Paull. Chironji Buchanania lanzan Spreng. Anacardiaceae p14- 15. Encyclopedia of Fruit and Nuts - 2008, J. Janick and R. E. Paull -editors, CABI, Wallingford, United Kingdom
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.