Buchanania lanzan is a tree which produces the seeds known as charoli (Hindi: चारोली; Marathi: चारोळी; chironji or chiraunji, Hindi: चिरौन्जी; Tamil: சாரப்பருப்பு, saaraparuppu ?) These seeds are used as a cooking spice primarily in India. Charoli are tiny almond-flavoured dried seeds of a bush called Buchanania lanzan, which 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.
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.
- Bowen, Dana (April 28, 2004). "TEMPTATION; Charoli Nuts Flavor the Dishes, and Memories, of Indian Chefs". New York Times. Retrieved April 28, 2010.
- "Celtnet Spice Guide Engtry for Chironji". Celtnet Spice Guide. August 11, 2012. Retrieved October 15, 2012.
- 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