Buchanania cochinchinensis (syn. Buchanania lanzan) is a deciduous tree which produces seeds that are edible to humans.[1] It is native to the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and adjacent parts of China.[2] 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
- ↑ Buchanania lanzan Spreng.. India Biodiversity Portal. Retrieved 2017-12-05.
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs named20008347-1 - ↑ 3.0 3.1 Celtnet Spice Guide Engtry for Chironji. Celtnet Spice Guide(August 11, 2012). Retrieved October 15, 2012.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 TEMPTATION; Charoli Nuts Flavor the Dishes, and Memories, of Indian Chefs. New York Times(April 28, 2004). 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