Kumaon Chyura Oil

Kumaon Chyura oil is more or less recognize as lifeline of the upper Himalayn, Kumaon region of Uttarakhand state, people mainly who are living since very long time in this region and using Chyura oil for edible purpose which is much nutritious and hygienic in this cold climatic condition. Chyura is a multipurpose tree, it is also known as Kalpavriksha. Many useful items are derived from the tree which serve as a source for many products such as seeds for oil, flower nectar for honey, wood for small timber, fuel and furniture, and fodder for cattle. Some of its parts are also used as medicines and pesticides. Above all, the tree is prominent in rural economy and is continuously becoming an asset to rural livelihood as several new uses of the Chyura tree are being developed and explored for the future. The seeds are black, 1.8 – 2.0 cm long with a whitish almond shaped kernel. Seed kernel of Chyura contains Saponins. The yield of oil is 42 – 47 % of the weight of seeds. Its very rare and unique characteristic of Chyura seeds. It has consistency of ghee with white colour, pleasant taste and odour. It has a high titer test. The Palmitic acid content (56.6 %) in Chyura seed is the highest yet observed among seed fats.