Buchanania cochinchinensis

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Buchanania cochinchinensis
Charoli.JPG
Charoli nuts
Scientific classification edit
: [[Template:Taxonomy/Buchanania (plant)]]
Species:
Binomial name
Template:Taxonomy/Buchanania (plant)Buchanania cochinchinensis
Synonyms[1]

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]

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[edit]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Template:Cite POWO
  2. "Buchanania lanzan Spreng". India Biodiversity Portal. Archived from the original on 2017-12-05. Retrieved 2017-12-05.
  3. 3.0 3.1 "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. 4.0 4.1 4.2 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
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