Indian rennet, Indian cheese-maker
Withania coagulans

Family: Solanaceae

What it is like

A branched shrub. It grows 1 m tall. The shoots are rigid. The leaves are 3-8 cm long by 2-4 cm wide. They are narrowly oval and wedge shaped at the base. They are leathery. The flowers have both sexes. The fruit is a round berry 10-12 mm across. It is red. The seeds are 2.5 mm wide. They are kidney shaped.

There are about 10 Withania species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. In Pakistan it grows in dry hot stony places up to 1,700 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Asia, Himalayas, India, Iran, Middle East, Nepal, Pakistan

How it is used for food

The berries are used to coagulate milk and to prepare soft cheeses. The leaves and fruit are used for herbal drinks. The fruit are also eaten raw.

It is sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Fruit - rennet, leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Akri, Ammukkura, Asgandhas, Asgandh nagori, Ashvagandha, Ashwgandhas, Asvagandhi, Bajja, Jangly chana, Khamjaria, Khamzora, Paneer, Panir-band, Panir, Panneru-gadda, Punir, Shapyanga, Spin

Synonyms

Puneeria coagulans Stocks, J. Roy.;