Description

Discover the Hidden Treasure of the Big Chañar Tree: Geoffroea decorticans

The Big Chañar, also known as Geoffroea decorticans, is a tree belonging to the legume family, Fabaceae. Its distinctive yellow-green bark and sweet, edible fruit make it a unique and valuable species. With its moderately heavy wood suitable for carpentry, charcoal, and firewood, the Big Chañar offers a myriad of uses beyond its culinary delights.

 

 

Illustrating the Species’ Characteristics

The Big Chañar boasts a typical green trunk with peeling bark. It stands erect when grown in isolation but tends to form shrubby thickets in forested areas. Reaching heights of 3 to 10 meters with trunks exceeding 40 centimeters in diameter, this tree sheds its bark longitudinally, revealing fresh green layers beneath. Its abundant foliage, characterized by a verdant hue, cascades from the trunk, which is deeply furrowed and textured. The tree’s branching structure culminates in sharp thorns, mostly vanishing during its flowering season in September, giving the crown a rounded appearance. The Chañar’s vibrant yellow flowers bloom from September to October, giving way to fruit from November to January.

Distribution and Habitat

Native to a vast region encompassing Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil, and parts of Peru, the Big Chañar thrives in arid forests across central and southern South America. It coexists harmoniously with companion species such as carob and quebracho trees, primarily found in USDA hardiness zones 8b to 10. Remarkably resilient, it endures short-lived frosts as low as -13°C and thrives in desert conditions, withstanding temperatures exceeding 40°C.

Utilization and Benefits

The edible seeds and fruits of the Big Chañar hold nutritional value for both humans and animals. Additionally, its yellow wood serves various purposes, including carpentry, furniture making, and fuel production. Commonly processed into Chañar syrup, the fruit is renowned for its sweetness and medicinal properties. This dark, viscous syrup, akin to vegetable honey or molasses, offers relief from sore throats and coughs. Furthermore, fermented Chañar fruit yields a traditional alcoholic beverage known as “aloja de chañar.”

Scientifically validated for its medicinal attributes, the Chañar fruit demonstrates antitussive, expectorant, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its anti-inflammatory efficacy may diminish when subjected to heat during cooking, as in the case of Chañar syrup.

Nutritional Profile of Chañar Fruits and Seeds:

• Proteins: The seeds of chañar are notably rich in proteins, containing approximately 24.3% protein content, comparable to that of Asian legumes like Vigna mungo (21.9%) and Cicer arietinum (25.5%). This high protein content makes chañar seeds a valuable source of essential amino acids.
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• Carbohydrates: Chañar fruits are high in carbohydrates, with the mesocarp (flour A) containing about 81.95% carbohydrates, providing a significant energy source.
• Fibers: The fruit’s mesocarp is low in crude fiber (5.13%), making it suitable for human consumption, while other fractions like flour B and C have higher fiber content, which could be beneficial for dietary fiber intake.
• Lipids: The seeds have a substantial lipid content, approximately 50.22%, indicating a potential source of edible oil. The oil extracted from chañar seeds has been studied for its quality and fatty acid composition, showing promise for both nutritional and industrial applications.
• Minerals: Chañar fruits are rich in essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron, contributing to their nutritional value. The main minerals present in the different fractions were Ca, Mg, and Fe, while heavy metals were not significant.

Edible Uses of Chañar Seeds:

The seeds of chañar are encased within a hard endocarp, making direct consumption challenging. However, traditional processing methods involve grinding the seeds into flour, which can be used in various culinary preparations. This flour is utilized in making traditional foods such as “arrope,” a sweet syrup, and other confections. The high protein and lipid content of the seeds enhance the nutritional profile of these products.

Potential Applications:

Given their rich nutritional composition, chañar seeds and fruits hold potential for broader applications:

• Functional Foods: The high protein and mineral content make chañar seed flour a candidate for developing protein-rich dietary supplements and health foods.
• Edible Oils: The significant lipid content in the seeds suggests potential for oil extraction, which could be explored for both culinary uses and industrial applications.
• Dietary Fiber: Fractions of the fruit with higher fiber content could be incorporated into food products aimed at increasing dietary fiber intake.

 

Unlock the Potential of the Big Chañar

In conclusion, the Big Chañar represents not only a culinary delicacy but also a versatile resource deeply rooted in South American culture. From its sweet, succulent fruit to its sturdy wood and medicinal virtues, this remarkable tree embodies nature’s bounty. Embrace the Big Chañar’s offerings and unlock its potential to enrich both your palate and your life.

 

To successfully cultivate Geoffroea decorticans (chañar), consider the following steps:

• • Soaking: Immerse whole fruits in hot water for 24 hours to soften the endocarp.
  • Cracking the Endocarp: Gently strike the softened endocarp along its seam with a hammer to extract the seed without causing damage.
  • Additional Soaking: Soak the extracted seeds in water for another 24 hours.
• Sowing:
  • Planting Depth: Place seeds horizontally in a seedbed, covering them with soil to a depth equal to the seed’s width.
  • Soil Quality: Use moderately fertile soil to promote healthy germination.
  • Direct Sowing: To minimize transplant shock, consider sowing seeds directly into their permanent containers or planting sites.
• Germination and Growth:
  • Germination Rate: Under optimal conditions, expect a germination success rate of approximately 70%.
  • Cotyledon Care: Ensure cotyledons remain below the soil surface to protect them from environmental damage.
• Transplanting:
  • Timing: Transplant seedlings after they have developed a robust root system.
  • Handling: Exercise caution to avoid damaging the radicle during transplantation.
  • Container Choice: Avoid using biodegradable paper tubes for seedlings, as they may desiccate roots and impede growth.
• Establishment:
  • Location: Plant chañar in well-drained soils with full sun exposure.
  • Watering: While drought-tolerant once established, provide regular watering during the initial growth phase.

Pre-Sale Information:

This is a pre-sale for Chañar seeds. The seeds will be shipped to our U.S.-based partner for inspection and global distribution. Shipping is expected to begin by February, following compliance with all phytosanitary regulations. Stock is very limited, so secure your seeds now!

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Shipping and Distribution:

• Inspection: Seeds will be inspected to meet international phytosanitary standards.
• Distribution: Once inspected, our U.S. partner will handle worldwide shipping, ensuring reliable and timely delivery.

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