Buchanania lanzan

Buchanania lanzan
Charoli nuts
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Rosids
Order: Sapindales
Family: Anacardiaceae
Subfamily: Anacardioideae
Genus: Buchanania
Species: B. lanzan
Binomial name
Buchanania lanzan
Synonyms

Buchanania cochinchinensis Lour.
Buchanania latifolia Roxb.
Lanzana solitaria Stokes
Lundia mangiferoides Puer. ex DC.
Mangifera silvestris King ex Roxb.
Spondias simplicifolia Rottb.

Buchanania lanzan is a deciduous tree which produces seeds edible by humans.[1] It is known as charoli (or chironji[2]). These almond-flavoured seeds are used as a cooking spice primarily in India.[3] Buchanania lanzan 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.[3]

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.[2]

They are commonly used in sweets in India. However, they are also ground into powders for thickening savory sauces and flavoring batters, and stewed into rich, meaty kormas.[3]

Charoli seeds are used in the Ayurveda and Unani systems of medicine.[4]

References

  1. ↑ "Buchanania lanzan". India Biodiversity Portal. Retrieved 2017-12-05.
  2. 1 2 "Celtnet Spice Guide Engtry for Chironji". Celtnet Spice Guide. August 11, 2012. Archived from the original on 27 July 2014. Retrieved October 15, 2012.
  3. 1 2 3 Bowen, Dana (April 28, 2004). "TEMPTATION; Charoli Nuts Flavor the Dishes, and Memories, of Indian Chefs". New York Times. Retrieved April 28, 2010.
  4. ↑ 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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