Buchanania lanzan

Buchanania lanzan
	Charoli nuts
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Sapindales
Family:	Anacardiaceae
Genus:	Buchanania
Species:	B. lanzan
Binomial name
	Buchanania lanzan; Spreng.
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 that are edible to humans.[1] It is known as chironji (or charoli[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

"Buchanania lanzan". India Biodiversity Portal. Retrieved 2017-12-05.
"Celtnet Spice Guide Engtry for Chironji". Celtnet Spice Guide. August 11, 2012. Archived from the original on 27 July 2014. Retrieved October 15, 2012.
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

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[1] "Buchanania lanzan". India Biodiversity Portal. Retrieved 2017-12-05.

[csg-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.

[nyt-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