Aamchur, also known as amchur or amchor, is the Hindi name for dry mango powder which is a commonly used spice of Indian cuisine. This tangy flavored spice is derived from green mangoes or unripe mangoes which are cut into slices, dried and then finally powdered.
Dry mango powder is usually light brown in color and in powdered form. Dry mango powder, although, finely ground, has a fibrous texture.The taste of this spice is slightly sweet and it has a slight mango fruit aroma. The spice is mostly used for North Indian cooking and is included in variety of dishes like chana masala, dhaniya pudina chutney and refreshing summer drink jaljeera.
Culinary Use of Aamchur
Aamchur or dry mango powder is a commonly used spice of Indian cuisine where it is used in the following ways:
- Flavoring agent – Aamchur imparts a tangy flavor and is mostly used in soups, chutneys and curries.
- For marinades – The tenderizing quality of this Indian spice makes it suitable to be used for making marinades.
- Taste enhancer – Aamchur, when added to dishes consisting of chicken or fishes, add to the taste and make them more sought after.
- As a condiment – Dry mango powder is often sprinkled on salads and fruits to have a tangy flavor.
Health Benefits of Amchur or Dry Mango Powder
- Aids in digestion – Amchur helps in getting relieve from acidity and also aids digestion.
- Rich source of ron – Since, dry mango powder has iron content, it is recommended to pregnant women and people suffering from anemia.
- Works as an antioxidant – The phenols and phenolic compounds which are present in mangoes, make this derivative, a powerful antioxidant.
- Efficient home remedy for scurvy- Due to high content of vitamin C, dry mango powder works as an excellent remedy for treatment of scurvy.
Nutritional Information of Aamchur
100 grams of Aamchur contains:
341 calories
11mg sodium
89g total carbohydrate
10g dietary fiber
78g protein
1g sugar
Storing Dry Mango Powder
Aamchur is commercially available in packages in grocery stores. Care should be taken while buying this spice by considering the date of packaging and expiry. It is recommended to store the powder in air tight jar as it easily loses its flavor due to exposure to heat, air and light. The spice loses its aroma and flavor when kept near spices like bay leaf or cinnamon which have a strong smell.
