Shorea Robusta (Dipterocarpaceae) seed and its oil as food

Shorea Robusta (Sal) belongs to the family of Dipterocarpaceae. Sal has an important role in the economics of central states of India (i.e. Orissa, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh). These states cover about 45 % of forest area. Sal is a deciduous tree that reaches up to 50 m height. Sal is famous for its seed and oil. Sal fruit pulp is edible; it contains sugar, gum, malic, citric and tartaric acids. Sal is a crucial plant for veterinary medicines (used as vaccine and medicine for respiratory diseases). Sal fruit content 66.4% of kernel and pod, reaming 33.6% is shell and calyx. Sal seeds are processed mainly for its fat or oil. It also has a leading role in food and cosmetic sectors. The extracted Sal oil is greenish brown colour and characteristic odour. The refined oil from Sal seed is used for cooking and substitutes for cocoa butter in chocolate manufacturing industries. It also used for the production of vanaspati, paints, pigments, lubricants, biogas and biodiesel. Besides, de-oiled cake also has a good export market for cattle, poultry and fish feed.