Thursday, June 27, 2024

221. Kumaon Chyura Oil

Kumaon Chyura Oil which is much nutritious and hygenic oil used for edible purposes in the cold climatic condition of Upper Himalayan, Kumaon region of Uttarakhand state. Colour of Kumaon Chyura Oil is Light cream and thick in comparison to the other oil. Due to prominent Saponification value, this oil is useful for body cream. 

Kumaon Chyura Tree (Indian Butter Tree – Diploknema Butyracea) is a backbone of Uttarakhand rural economy. It is a multipurpose tree since each of its parts is utilized. 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. 

High-value products like soap and lip balm and related cosmetic are being made from Chyura oil. The residue from the seed processing can be used as a fertilizer. It contains insecticidal properties, making Chyura an efficient eco-friendly insecticide as well.

Image credit: sahasa.in

The innermost core of the Chyura fruit contains a seed with a thin but hard, brown, glossy coating and within it rests its kernel. These seeds are used for oil extraction while seed residue could act as a mosquito repellent when burnt. 

Kumaon Chyura oil is very unique quality of this natural oil. There is no smoke after burning the Chyura oil and due to this it is much demanded at the time of Diwali festival. Kumaon Chyura oil has bitterness as fresh oil but after freezing it, the bitterness gets removed. 

Oil is extracted from the kernel of Chyura seeds. The outer shell of seeds is removed by adopting traditional or mechanical methods. In the traditional method, the seeds are boiled in water and softened seeds are placed on the floor and pressed until the kernels come out. In the mechanical system, the shell of the seed is removed by a decorticator machine. 

After cleaning and drying, the seeds are pounded into a fine powder using a traditional pounder called Dhiki. The powder is steamed on a perforated plate over a boiling pan. Oil is then extracted using a traditional oil expeller known locally as Chepuwa.

Chyura oil is very important component in the life of upper Himalayan region people because this oil is use for various purpose like cooking, making ghee from Chyura oil, using as oil for lighting of lamp, using it for making various type of cosmetics. 

GI Tag Registration Date         : 14 September 2021

GI Tag Number                         : 650

Certificate Number                  : 399

Geographical Area                  : Uttarakhand

Special Cover Release Date   : 28 November 2021

Cancellation                             : Dehradun 248 001

Type                                          : GI Tag Cover

Cover Identification Number  : UK/11/2021-2022

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