Throughout the course of sub continent history, there have been a number of expeditions that have found their way to India, to capitalize on the spice scene. India is one country that not only grows a variety of spices, but also uses the same, instead of simply exporting them for revenue. The use of spices in Indian cooking goes back to the time the sub continent was first occupied. The spices from the various parts of India are now being used even as medicinal additives to food. One perfect example is the Indian gooseberry or Amla.
Amla has made its way across the globe today, and has become an important part of purchasing spices. It shares the shelf with cinnamon, cloves and pepper and as prized as a precious gem. And, this is correctly so. Today, Indian gooseberry or Amla is an important part of the enormous and very lucrative spice trade within and out of the country. In order to understand the importance of this 'globe of goodness' it is very important to know the various forms in which amla is used in the Indian kitchen. The fruit spice is sour to taste and great in pickles.
Its new found importance springs from the fact that amla has a lot of medicinal properties to correct ailments such as high blood pressure, numerous heart diseases, obesity and even consistent loss of hair. Indian gooseberry or Amla can be purchased dry, fresh or even in the powder form. There is no denying that the fresh form is the best, nevertheless, to preserve the goodness throughout the year and use it in multiple recipes, the other two forms are the best. Amla can be used in everyday cooking as a general additive.
The taste enables the spice to be added to just about anything. You can add it to any lentil preparation, sliced in any sandwich, juiced for the goodness of Mother Nature and even in the seasoning for various rice dishes. The taste of the spice is very versatile and loved by all. It is not uncommon to find children and even adults dipping the fruit into a mix of salt, sugar and pepper and eating it raw. Indian gooseberry or Amla is also being used in the prevention and cure of diabetes. The fruit can also be simply chopped and added to any snack to ensure a check on cholesterol. The Indian gooseberry is here to stay.
