Khurasni / खुरासनी / Niger / Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass.

  • Local Name: Khurasni / खुरासनी
  • Common Name: Niger
  • Botanical Name: Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass.

Status & Habitat

  • Status: Cultivable

  • Habitat: Herb

  • Occurrence: Moderately wet soils

  • Season of Availability: Warmer parts of the year

  • Geography: Eritrean and Ethiopian highlands

  • Method of Propagation: Seed propagation

  • Part used for Propagation: Seeds

Edible Parts

  • Edible Parts: Seeds & Leaves

  • Can be Eaten Raw: Yes

Method of Consumption

  • Raw: Yes, Seeds and Leaves

  • Ripe: N/A

  • Both Raw & Ripe: N/A

  • Dangerous Form to Consume: N/A

  • As Food: Seeds are roasted, used as a spice, used in curries, ground into chutney and made into oil. Tender leaves are cooked into a vegetable

  • As Medicine: Eating seeds helps reduce blood pressure.

  • Cooking Without Prior Boiling: Not required

  • Boiling Before Cooking: Not required

  • Pickling: N/A

  • Brining: N/A

  • Fermenting: N/A

  • Drying for later Consumption: Yes, Seeds

  • Overall Method: Seeds are roasted, used as a spice, used in curries, and made into oil.

Nutritional & Medicinal Benefits

  • Nutritional Benefit: Rich source of protein, magnesium and carbohydrates.

  • Medicinal Benefit: Relieves high blood pressure, Good fats from seed oil

Tribal Wisdom

  • Tribal Wisdom: Eating seeds helps reduce blood pressure.

Recipes / Usage

  • Tribal Recipe / Usage: Ladoo: Roast, cool, and grind seeds. Cut dates, prepare jaggery powder, and combine all ingredients to form small-sized Laddu.