Amla is a highly nutritious fruit which is used widely for being a rich source of vitamin C. But if it is not stored right then it may not be able to give the desired benefits and flavors.
Therefore, we have come up with some tips to help you store the fresh amla as well as amla powder the appropriate way along with the significance of right storage.
Benefits of Appropriate Storage
Here are some benefits of storing amla powder or fresh amla the right way:
- Preservation of Nutritional Value: Amla is rich in vitamin C and contains powerful antioxidants but if it is not stored properly then the nutritional value of amla can degrade. Therefore, make sure that you store your amla the appropriate way to preserve its nutritional value.
- Extension of Shelf Life: When amla is stored under proper storage conditions i.e. cool, dry, and dark place, it prevents microbial growth.
- Reduction of Waste: When you store amla in a proper container then there is no spillage and spoilage, and this prevents amla from getting wasted.
- Retention of Freshness: Properly stored amla is able to retain its natural taste, texture, and freshness.
Tips for Storing Fresh Amla:
- Refrigerate: Extend the shelf life of fresh amlas by storing them in the refrigerator. Place the whole fresh amla berries in an airtight container or in a perforated plastic bag so that they don’t absorb moisture or dry out.
- Remove Blemished Parts: Always check for damaged parts in the fruit before storing it. If any part of the fresh fruit of amla is damaged or bruised then it is best to remove it before storing in order to prevent the spoilage from spreading to the rest of the fruit.
- Prevent from Moisture: It is important to make sure that the amla fruits are dry before you store them. Any kind of moisture can cause mold growth and spoilage. If you plan to wash the fruits before storing them then make sure that they are completely dry before you store them.
- Store in Cool, Dry Place: If you don’t wish to refrigerate amla or keep it fresh for a couple of days then you must store it in a cool and dry place.
- Soak in Salt Water: If you wish to store fresh amla fruits for 4 to 8 months then you can do so by soaking them in salt water. Boil some water and add salt to it. Once it has cooled down, add fresh amla fruits to it and store them in an airtight container.
- Freeze: If you intend to store fresh amla for up to 8 months then you can do so by freezing them. Cut the fruits into small pieces and remove the seeds. Store them in an airtight container inside a freezer.
Tips on Storing Amla Powder:
- Airtight Container: Make sure that you store your organic amla powder in airtight container in order to prevent it from air exposure and moisture. This will keep your amla powder fresh for longer.
- Glass Jars: It is important to store amla powder in a glass jar. Do not use plastic jars for storing amla powder as this will result in degradation in the freshness and nutrient value of the powder.
- Cool and Dry Place: Store the amla powder away from direct sunlight in a cool and dry place. Any kind of exposure to heat and light can degrade the quality and reduce the shelf life of the powder.
- Label and Date: It is important to know when you purchased the amla powder in order to keep a track of its freshness and in order to do that, you can label and date your powder.
- Avoid Clumping: In order to prevent the powder from clumping together, it is a great idea to put a small piece of muslin cloth or a clean, dry marble inside the container. This will help in the absorption of excessive moisture.
- Do Not Refrigerate: Never refrigerate amla powder as this can introduce moisture to the powder which will result in clumping of powder and will result in faster deterioration.
Follow these simple yet effective storage guidelines for storing fresh amla and amla powder to keep them fresh, flavorful, and nutritious for long times.
At Spice Profile, we have taken extra efforts to pack our amla powder in a convenient packaging. Our opaque, multi-layered packaging (mylar pouch) is designed to keep the contents fresh for longer by protecting them from deterioration due to light. The easy pull-tab makes it comfortable to open and the zip lock feature allows quick reseal. Our standing pouch is easy to store, and the color-coding makes it easier to keep your spices organized.