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 Spreng. | |
Buchanania lanzan is a tree which produces the seeds known as charoli (or chironji[1]). These almond-flavoured seeds are used as a cooking spice primarily in India.[2] 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.[2]
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.[1]
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.[2]
Charoli seeds are used in the Ayurveda and Unani systems of medicine.[3]
References
- 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.
- 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.
- ↑ 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