Indian gooseberry

Indian gooseberry (scientific name: Phyllanthus emblica), also known as Amla in Hindi, is a deciduous tree of the family Phyllanthaceae. It is known for its edible fruit of the same name. The Indian gooseberry has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. It is native to India, Nepal, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and China.

Description

The Indian gooseberry tree is small to medium in size, reaching 1 to 8 metres in height. The tree's bark is smooth and gray, while its hard, yellowish wood is used for various purposes such as tool handles and fences. The leaves are simple, sub-sessile and closely set along branchlets, light green in color. The flowers are greenish-yellow.

The fruit is nearly spherical, light greenish yellow, quite smooth and hard on appearance, with six vertical stripes or furrows. The taste of Indian gooseberry is sour, bitter and astringent, and it is quite fibrous.

Uses

In Indian traditional medicine, the fruit is used in many forms such as fresh fruit, juice, oil, pickles, powders, and tablets. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine for its supposed beneficial effects on various conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and inflammation.

In culinary applications, Indian gooseberry is used in pickles, jams, spreads, and also in traditional Indian sweets. The fruit is also consumed raw or cooked into various dishes.

Health Benefits

Indian gooseberry is rich in Vitamin C, which helps boost immunity, metabolism and prevents viral and bacterial ailments, including cold and cough. Its nutritional profile also comes studded with a range of polyphenols that are known to fight against the development of cancer cells.

Cultivation

Indian gooseberry grows in tropical and subtropical conditions. It prefers full sun and can tolerate drought. It can be propagated by seeds, cuttings or by air-layering, and it doesn't require much care once established.

See Also

• List of Indian fruits
• Ayurveda
• Phyllanthus emblica