AMLA, OR INDIAN GOOSEBERRY

Amla is a subtropical deciduous tree that is famous for its eatable fruit and is native to India. Since ancient times Amla has been considered a symbol of good health in Ayurvedic medicine. The amla trees can be found in the Middle East and India. Some common names of this plant include Indian gooseberry, emblic, myrobalan, Malacca tree.

The size of the tree varies from small to medium (1-8 m tall). The branches are about 10-20 cm long. The light green leaves are subsessile and pinnate. The flowers are yellow-greenish. The fruit is also yellow and greenish, spherical with 6 vertical stripes. The fruit become mature in autumn and is usually harvested by hand. The skin is hard but the flesh is crunchy and juicy. Its taste is sour, astringent and even bitter. But despite its specific flavor, the amla fruit is a powerhouse of health-giving vitamins and minerals that are essential for the human body.

Latin Name: Phyllanthus emblica

Family: Phyllanthaceae

Chemical Components

• Vitamin С
• Vitamin B complex
• Protein
• Tannins
• Alkaloids
• Minerals (iron, calcium, phosphorus, potassium)
• Carbohydrates
• Fiber

Amla Interesting Facts

• Indian people believe that their God Vishnu dwells in amla tree so it is sacred.
• Traditionally, Indian gooseberries were used for making pickles and chutney (Indian seasoning).
• During the Second World War some candies, powder and tablets produced from amla were consumed by Indian soldiers as a vitamin С supplement.
• Indians usually steep amla in red chilli powder and salt water in order to make these astringent and sour fruits digestible.

Methods of Use

• Amla fruit can be eaten raw or cooked
• Juice
• Oil
• Powder
• Capsules and tablets
• Cosmetics
• Tinctures and extracts

Amla Candy Recipe

What you need:

• 1 kg of amla (Indian gooseberries)
• 700 gr of sugar

Wash the amla fruits. Then put them into the boiling water and cook for about 2-3 minutes. Pour out all the redundant water and cool down the gooseberries completely. Separate the seeds from the flesh and place the fruits in a bowl. Add the sugar to them, cover and leave the mixture for 3 days. In 3 days strain the gooseberries, put them on a plate and let them dry out for 2 days (you can place them under the sun). After that add some powdered sugar to the amla fruits and mix them. Amla candies are ready! Enjoy this delicacy and stay healthy!