Before we answer the question-What Does Amla Taste Like? First things first, what is amla?
It is a subtropical fruit whose size is the same as that of a marble.
Its skin, which is light green in color, is very thin and has white lines running from the bottom to the top.
The origin of amla can be traced back to India. Currently, it is grown in Bangladesh and Pakistan.
According to research, amla can be described as having a sour taste, but it's important to note that it has great benefits.
Amla goes by various names including emblic and Indian gooseberry.
If you are wondering about the taste of amla, this article is for you. In this article, we will discuss amla flavor, uses, storage, nutritional benefits, and so much more.
We discuss basically everything you need to know about this exotic fruit.
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What is Amla's flavor
One of the most common questions is does amla taste sour or bitter?
Personally, I feel like amla has a mix of several flavors, unlike other fruits. It has a sour taste with bitter and sweet undertones.
Once you eat amla, you will be left with a subtle sweetness in your mouth that you can never get from other fruits.
The flesh of amla has a crisp texture and is somewhat fibrous. It also contains a lot of juice. Additionally, amla contains seeds that are not edible.
However, some people grind it to form a powder that is used for medicinal purposes.
I know of several supplements which have amla as one of the ingredients.
7 Amla uses you will Love
There are several ways you can use amla in the kitchen. Here are a few.
- Eat Amla Raw
Most people that love amla claim that the best way to enjoy it is by eating it out of hand.
You can eat it as it is, but if you find it too bitter sprinkle some salt to tone down the bitterness.
- Make Homemade Chutney
Amla makes an amazing chutney.
Just combine it with chilies to make a condiment that is flavorful and adds an authentic flavor to your Indian cuisine.
This chutney goes well with rice, roti, and thali.
- Make a Healthy Beverage
Combine amla juice with turmeric powder and water to make a refreshing healthy beverage.
It tastes okay and is good for your health.
- Dry Them
You can dry amla for future use using your oven or dehydrator. You will end up with a nutritious snack that is packed with vitamin C.
One can buy readymade dried amla in health stores.
- Make Amla Preserve
Amla murabba is a popular preserve that is mostly served with flatbread.
All you have to do to make it is boil the fruits and combine them with spices and sugar syrup.
- Make Amla Candy
Amla can be used to make sweet treats. Just deseed and cook the amla then combine it with sugar and leave it for 2 days.
After the two days, dry the amla under the sun for two days then store them in an airtight container. They are a delicious snack.
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Tip on Making Amla Juice
Amla juice is very nutritious.
The best part is that it is very easy to make. Just follow these simple steps.
- Choose the ripe fruits, slice them in half, and remove the pipes.
- Place the amla into a blender and blend until it forms a smooth paste. Alternatively, you could use a grinder.
- Use a spoon to scoop the paste into a strainer and place a small bowl underneath.
- Use a spoon to push down the pulp until it releases juice into the bowl.
There are several ways you can use amla juice. You can drink it as it is or pour it into ice cube trays and freeze.
Once frozen, pop them out of the tray, place them in the free freezer-safe bag until you are ready to use them.
The cubes are an excellent addition to smoothies.
How to Store Amla
The best way to tore amla for longer shelf life is by freezing them.
This way, you can use them throughout the year without worrying about them going bad. Here is how to properly freeze amla.
- Wash the fruits thoroughly and get rid of any that are bruised.
- Slice the fruits into quarters and discard any stones.
- Place the fruits into a Ziploc bag. Be sure to remove any air before sealing.
- Place the bag in your freezer. The fruits will be safe to consume for up to one year.
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Is Amla Healthy?
Amla is actually a very healthy fruit. For hundreds of years, amla has played a significant role in Chinese medicine and Ayurveda.
Stakeholders in Western medicine also recently began to warm up to the fruit.
Amla contains antioxidants, phenols, and flavonols. Additionally, it is a great source of vitamin C.
Studies have shown that amla relieves hyperacidity and constipation. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and acts as a blood purifier.
In case you are skeptical about trying amla because of the taste, consider the numerous health benefits.
Interesting Facts About Amla
- Amla was used as a vitamin C supplement by Indian soldiers in World War 2.
- Amla has a relatively short shelf life. When stored in the refrigerator, it will only retain its good quality for three weeks.
- Amla is very popular in Hinduisim and is revered for its use in religious ceremonies and ayurvedic medicine.
Conclusion
If you live outside India or other Asian countries, chances are that you have not tried amla.
This exotic fruit has an interesting flavor.
When it is your first time trying it, you may not find it too appealing. Its flavor is bitter, sweet, and sour at the same time, so it can be a bit off-putting.
However, don’t let this stop you from experiencing it yourself. You only live once, right.
If you are a fan of Indian cuisine you will definitely love amla. It is the perfect ingredient for chili chutney and it enhances the flavor of your dishes.
You can eat amla raw. For a great experience, add a sprinkle of sea salt. This would level out the bitter taste of amla.
Try amla and let me know whether you like its flavor in the comments below.
