Amla (Indian Gooseberry)

What Is Amla?

Amla is a small, light green-yellow fruit from a tree native to India and Southeast Asia. It is also known as “Indian gooseberry,” but it is not botanically related to true gooseberries (Ribes).

It tastes intensely sour and astringent, making it difficult to eat fresh; it is therefore usually eaten after being pickled with sugar, made into jam, or dried and ground into powder. It is considered one of the most valued fruits in Ayurvedic tradition.

Amla Nutrition

One hundred grams of fresh amla contains about 44 kcal; it is very high in vitamin C and high in fiber. Values vary by processing method and are approximate.

How to Eat Amla

Amla is generally consumed in moderate amounts as part of a balanced diet, usually as a pickle, jam, or powdered extract.

This information is general; amla is a food, not a medical treatment.

How to Choose Amla

Fresh amla should be light green-yellow, firm and glossy, with no bruises or spots on the surface. Dried powder should be light greenish-brown.

• Fresh fruit should be light green-yellow, firm, and glossy
• There should be no bruised or rotten spots on the surface
• Dried powder should be light greenish-brown and have a tangy smell

How to Store Amla

Fresh amla stays fresh for a few days in the refrigerator; dried powder and processed forms can be stored for months at room temperature in a sealed container.

Using Amla in the Kitchen

Amla is used most often in Indian pickles (achar), sweet-and-spicy preserves (murabba), and dried-powder dietary supplement blends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can amla be eaten raw?

It is technically edible, but most people do not prefer it because of its intensely sour, astringent taste; it is usually eaten after being processed with salt or sugar.

Is amla the same as rosehip?

No. Although both fruits are high in vitamin C, they belong to different plant families and have distinctly different flavor profiles.

Can you find amla in Türkiye?

Fresh fruit is not available; dried powder or pickled amla may be found at stores selling Indian products and at dietary supplement retailers.