Buchanania cochinchinensis
Buchanania cochinchinensis | |
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Charoli nuts | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
: | [[Template:Taxonomy/Buchanania (plant)]] |
Species: | Template:Taxonomy/Buchanania (plant)B. cochinchinensis
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Binomial name | |
Template:Taxonomy/Buchanania (plant)Buchanania cochinchinensis | |
Synonyms[1] | |
List
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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]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Template:Cite POWO
- ↑ "Buchanania lanzan Spreng". India Biodiversity Portal. Archived from the original on 2017-12-05. Retrieved 2017-12-05.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ 4.0 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.
- ↑ 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