Chiuri: The butter tree of Nepal

The Chiuri tree is a medium sized tree native to Nepal. It grows mainly in the sub-Himalayan tracts on steep slopes, ravines and cliffs at an altitude of 400 to 1400 metres, particularly in the Chitwan district. Its botanical name is Diploknema butvracea Roxb syn. Bassia butyracea, syn. Madhuca butyracea, syn. Aesandra butyracea). It is also named "butter tree". The main product of the tree is "ghee" or butter, extracted from the seeds and named "Chiuri ghee" or
"Phulwara butter". This technical brief provides information on the Chiuri tree and production of chiuri ghee including harvesting techniques, processing methods, uses and marketing of chiuri fruit and ghee.