What is Amchur Powder?
Mango or Amchur has been around for over 4000 years and since then, it has been one of the world’s favorite fruits. Amchur is known as mango powder and is made from dried green mangoes. It is widely used in cooking for seasoning dishes. This fruity spice is very popular in many of the Indian dishes. It adds flavor to the dishes and is the best spice to use when mangoes are not in season.
Not only does amchur powder add a unique taste to dishes, but it also boasts significant nutritional value, containing essential nutrients such as Vitamins A, E, and C, along with antioxidants.
Beyond its culinary appeal, amchur is recognized for its medicinal benefits. It facilitates digestion, making it a common component in Ayurvedic medicines. Additionally, Amchur is rich in iron which is particularly good for pregnant women.
How To Make Amchur Powder?
Amchur powder is made from raw unripe fresh mangoes. Unripe mangoes are sliced into strips or chips form that are dried in sunlight for a couple of days until it becomes brittle and crisp. Then dried chips are grounded into fine powder. Thus, amchur is called dry mango powder in English. ‘Am’ is a short word for ‘aam’, meaning mangoes in Hindi and ‘chur or chor’ means to crush to powder.
Sun Drying Method:
- Take raw mangoes and wash them well and pat dry
- Peel the skin of mangoes with a peeler
- Slice the mangoes into long thin strips or chips
- Place the chips on a steel plate and cover it well with a dry muslin cloth and keep it in the sunlight for 5 to 7 hours
- Repeat it daily until the pieces are crisp and brittle
- Ground them in a mixer into a fine powder
- Sieve, if required to make an even powder
- Store the amchur powder in a clean air-tight jar, as lumps may form, and colour may darken if exposed to moisture
Oven Drying Method:
- This method is suitable if sunlight is not sufficient
- The temperature in the oven is adjusted to the lowest 122 F to 194 F
- It may take about 10 to 24 hours for the mango chips to dry
- Keep the mango in the oven for 7 hours during the day and cover them with a muslin cloth and store them at room temperature
- Repeat the same process for 3 days to get crispy chips
- Home-made amchur powder is fresh and better than store-bought one
Health Benefits
Mango powder, also known as amchur, is made from dried unripe mangoes and is commonly used in Indian cuisine. Here are some benefits of mango powder:
Good For Vision
Amchur powder is endowed with powerful nutrients like vitamin A and E which are essential for healthy eyesight. Potent antioxidant actions of this powder help in averting oxidative damage and lower the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
Natural Detoxifier
Packed with a treasure of nutrients such as vitamin A, C, D, B6 and beta carotenes, amchur powder gets rid of harmful toxins, detoxifies the system and uplifts liver health. Aside from this, it improves blood circulation, boosts iron levels and treats urinary tract infections.
Heart Health
Amchur powder works wonders to ensure that cardiovascular health is in good condition. This powder has many medicinal benefits. It prevents heart failures and other disorders. Amchur powder also very effective in preventing heart attacks. Amchur is included in most recipes, due to these benefits. It is added in ayurvedic medicines to keep your heart healthy.
Amchur Powder rich in Iron
Amchur powder is an extremely rich source of iron. Women who suffer from iron deficiencies like anemia are advised to include food rich in iron, as part of their diet.
This fruit can be a part of the diet in one form or the other. Since ripe mangoes contain high amounts of sugar, it is advisable to add amchur in your diet, as it is a healthier option.
Amchur powder prevention and treatment of scurvy
Amchur powder has high levels of Vitamin C. This proves to be very helpful in healing conditions like scurvy. It is a medical condition, that is caused due to the deficiency of vitamin C. Scurvy can be treated and prevented, if amchur powder is consumed on a daily basis.
One recipe that is used is the combination of amchur with jaggery. It is said to be very effective in treating scurvy.
Pregnant Women
Mango Powder is high in high vitamin C content, which strengthens the immune system, helping protect both the mother and the developing baby from infections. Additionally, many women experience digestive discomfort during pregnancy, including bloating, gas, and constipation. Mango powder aids digestion by promoting the secretion of digestive enzymes, helping to alleviate these issues.
Its iron content also supports healthy hemoglobin levels, which is important to prevent anemia—a common concern during pregnancy. Furthermore, the antioxidants in amchur can reduce oxidative stress, contributing to overall health and well-being during this crucial time.
Controls Blood Sugar
Mango powder, or amchur, can help control blood sugar levels. It has a low glycemic index, meaning it raises blood sugar slowly, preventing sharp spikes. The fiber in mango powder also slows sugar absorption, helping to keep blood sugar steady. This makes it a good choice for people with diabetes or those wanting to manage their sugar levels.
Promotes Digestion
Rich in potent antioxidants amchur powder stimulates digestive fire and helps to combat acidity. Loaded with fiber and phenolic compounds it regularizes bowel movements and treats gastrointestinal woes like constipation and flatulence. Adding amchur powder into your diet on a regular basis may help in improving metabolism, and gut health.
Side Effects
While mango powder (amchur) offers several health benefits, it can also have some side effects, especially if consumed in excess. Here are some potential side effects:
- Acidity
- Allergic reactions
- Stomach issues
- Impact on blood sugar levels (if consumed in large amounts)
