Amla or Indian Gooseberry is a fruit that is known for a wide range of uses in culinary, cosmetic, and medicinal application. It is one of the most nutritious fruits on the plant and there are plenty of ways in which we can incorporate it in our diet and in our lifestyle.
This post includes some wonderful ways to include amla powder in our life along with its nutritional profile and tips on using it for best taste and effectiveness.
Nutritional Profile of Amla
Let us have a quick look at the nutritional profile of amla which makes it an amazing addition to our recipes and also our lifestyle.
- Vitamin C: According to National Institutes of Health (NIH), after Barbados cherry, amla is the second richest natural source of vitamin C, having approximately 600 to 700mg of vitamin C per fruit.
- Antioxidants: Amla is also a high source of antioxidants which include flavonoids and polyphenols. Together they help in combating oxidative stress.
- Fiber: Amla helps in the process of digestion and promotes gut health because of high fiber content.
- Other Nutrients: Amla is known to contain essential vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, calcium, iron, and phosphorus.
Versatile Ways to Use Amla Powder
Choose from the extensive list of ideas to include amla powder in your regime. Consume it in different culinary preparations or use it for personal care.
- Amla Smoothie: If you relish a glass of smoothie every day then just add a teaspoon of amla powder to your favorite smoothie recipe for an extra boost of antioxidants and vitamin C. You can combine it with fruits like banana, pineapple, and spinach to prepare a refreshing and nutritious drink.
- Amla Energy Balls: Mix amla powder with dates, nuts, and shredded coconut to make energy balls at home. You can also add some sweetener of your choice to balance the sour taste of amla. Roll the mixture into small balls and refrigerate for a healthy snack packed with vitamins and minerals.
- Amla Salad Dressing: Have your mixed greens, grilled chickens, and vegetables taste super delicious with amla dressing. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, amla powder, honey, and Dijon mustard to create a tangy and flavorful salad dressing.
- Amla Chutney: Blend together amla powder, fresh cilantro, mint, green chilies, garlic, and yogurt to make a refreshing spicy and tangy chutney. Serve it with samosas, pakoras, or grilled meats for a burst of flavor.
- Amla Tea: Enjoy a healthy and delicious cup of amla tea. Add a pinch of amla powder to your favorite herbal tea for a citrusy twist. Combine it with ginger, honey, and lemon for a soothing and immune-boosting beverage.
- Amla Face Mask: Incorporate amla powder in your face mask to brighten and refresh your skin. Mix amla powder with yogurt, honey, and turmeric to create a nourishing face mask. Apply it to your skin and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off.
- Amla Hair Mask: Combine amla powder with coconut oil and yogurt to make a conditioning hair mask. Massage it into your scalp and hair, leave it on for 30 minutes, and then shampoo as usual for soft, shiny and healthy locks.
- Amla-infused Water: Stir a teaspoon of amla powder into a glass of water for a refreshing and hydrating beverage. Add a squeeze of lemon or a few mint leaves for extra flavor.
- Amla Sprinkle: Sprinkle amla powder over roasted vegetables, popcorn, or yogurt for a nutritious and flavorful topping. It adds a tangy kick to any dish and makes a healthy replacement to most of the sprinkles in the market.
- Amla Oatmeal: Stir a teaspoon of amla powder into your morning oatmeal along with cinnamon, nuts, and dried fruits for a nourishing and energizing breakfast.
- Amla Oil Infusion: Create your own natural hair oil by infusing amla powder into olive oil or coconut oil. Simply heat the oil with amla powder mixture and strain it when it has cooled down. Use this infused oil to massage your scalp and hair.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. Unleash your creativity and include our organic powder in your cooking and wellness routine the way you desire.
Tips on Using Amla Powder
Keep these important tips in mind while using amla powder:
- Begin with small amounts as amla powder has potent sour and astringent taste and then keep adjusting it according to your taste preference.
- Always blend it with other complementing flavors in order to rightly balance its tartness.
- Avoid overcooking amla powder as this can degrade its vitamin C content.
- Always whisk amla powder properly while using it in beverages to avoid lumps, as it has a nature to form lumps.
At Spice Profile, we offer finest quality amla powder, sourced from farms in India. Feel free to add our nutritious amla powder to your recipes or make DIY hair packs and face masks to add to your beauty regime.