Chironji

Also Known As : Chironji seeds, Charoli seeds, Charoli, Chirolo, Buchanania lanzan, Buchanania latifolia, Chironji sapida, Chironji Tree, Charooli, Cheronjee, Chiraunji, Piyal, Prasavak, Priyal, Chirolo, Charooli, Almondette, Calumpong nut, Cheronjee, Cuddapah almond, Hamilton mombin

Descriptions
details

Vegetarian

Taste Profile

Chironji slightly sweet as well as acidic in taste with an almond like flavor.

Usage Tips

Chironji can be eaten raw or roasted.
They are used in Indian sweets but are also ground into powders for thickening gravies and to flavour batters.
Chironji is popularly used in kormas.
They are a good addition to meat kebabs and as a garnish for desserts and rice dishes.
They can be sprinkled on fruit salads, added to soups and chicken or lamb dishes.

Common names and forms

Charoli

Description

Chironji is a spice very popular in India, which is made from the seeds of a tree called Buchanania lanzan tree, belonging to the Anacardiaceae (cashew) family. These trees are native to northwestern India. Chironji is the kernels of the fruit which is eaten both as a spice and nut. After the kernels are removed from the fruit, they are soaked for a period of 7-8 hours and then scrubbed well. They look similar to soybean and have a soft texture. Chironji is used widely in Indian cuisine in both sweet and savoury dishes.

Health benefits

Chironji seeds are a good source of fats, proteins, calcium, phosphorous and fibre, all nutrients that play an important role in the body's functioning.⁽¹⁾
It acts as a cooling agent in the body thus preventing ulcers.⁽¹⁾
It helps in cleansing and purifying blood by removing toxins from the blood stream and boosting blood circulation.⁽¹⁾

Selection Guide

When buying chironji choose whole small nuts without any insect infestation or impurities like stones and dirt.

Note

Chironji seeds may cause loss of appetite, especially in people with a weak digestive system. They may also cause constipation.⁽²⁾

Resource & Links

(1) https://drhealthbenefits.com/herbal/herbal-spices/health-benefits-of-charoli

(2) https://www.ayurtimes.com/chironji-or-charoli/

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