Chiuri Butter

(Diploknema butyracea Roxburgh)

Chiuri tree is a member of Sapotaceae family. It is a deciduous, medium size tree about 20 meters native to Nepal. Its botanical name is Diploknema butyracea (Roxb) and English name is But- ter tree. The tree produces flowers from November to January and fruits from April to June and propagates by seeds. It grows mainly in the sub-Himalayan tracts on steep slopes, ravines and cliffs at an altitude of 300 to 1500 meters from east to west Nepal. The main product of the tree is ghee or butter, extracted from the seeds and popularly known as “Chiuri butter”. It is estimated about 35-40% of oil can be extracted from fully ripe dried seeds and based on the amount.

AHP has become successful export quality butter supply in Italy, France, Belguim, Japan, since 2008, continue 13 years research and development as well as produce the itself Chuiri base  Herbal soap. (See video overview of Churi butter traditional processing)

Traditional uses of Chiuri Butter

Pulp can be consumed as a refreshing juice and provides significant nutritional value

•    Juice can be boiled to create a liquid sugar alternative

•    Butter can be used to cook as a substitute to vegetable oil

•    Juice and seed oils can be used to treat rheumatic pain, indigestion and skin infections

•    Seed oils can also be used for treatment of headaches

•    Resin of Chiuri can be used as glue to trap insects and  as a pesticide

Commercial uses of Chiuri Butter

There are an abundance of potential commercial uses for Chiuri butter in different areas such as:

•    Pharmaceutical

•    Confectionery

•    Cream and pure vegetarian Soap making

•    Candle manufacturing and Chiuri butter can be used as an alternative to Shea butter in the cosmetics industry for skin and hair related products.

The final product of Chiuri butter is white or  yellowish white with a distinct smell and taste. Chiuri butter remains solid up to 48 degree centigrade.

Availability of Chiuri in Nepal

The total number of Chiuri trees in Nepal is estimated to 10.8 million with 5.6 million trees at the fruit bearing stage. Estimated quantity of Chiuri seeds in Nepal is 94,000 MT with the potential to produce 37,000 MT of butter per year.

There is a vast potentiality in terms of resource availability to produce Chiuri butter in Nepal.

Composition of Chiuri Butter