Suggested uses

Basic prep

Storage & handling

Store in a dry, cool place.

Ingredients

Dried Mango, Calcium Stearate

Amchur Powder, sometimes spelled "Amchoor" or "Aamchur," is a spice made from dried, unripe green mangoes. It is used throughout Asia, but is usually associated with Indian cuisine, especially the cuisine of Northern India, in which it is a prominent flavoring agent.

The mango tree (Mangifera indica) is native to Southeast Asia, especially India, where it has grown for more than 4,000 years. It holds a special place in Hindu mythology and ritual, and nearly every part of the tree is used for some purpose or another, form the leaves and bark to its resin, flowers, fruit and seed. With the mango's long history in India, it is likely that Amchur Powder's history is nearly as long.

Amchur Powder is used to flavor foods in a similar way to tamarind, imparting an acidic component that also has a fruity sweetness. Traditionally, it is found in curries, chutneys, pickles, soups, legume dishes and chaat masalas. However, its uses do not end with Indian cuisine. It makes an excellent seasoning for roast pork, chicken or fish, a lively flavoring agent for salad dressings and a helpful balancing flavor for sweet sauces or jams.

It is especially useful in recipes where tartness is desired, but not liquid, eliminating the use of lemon or lime juice. It is also added to marinades for poultry and meat, where it acts as an enzymatic tenderizer.

Amchur Powder's health benefits are, not surprisingly, similar to those of fresh mango, providing a concentrated dose of vitamin C and a decent source of vitamins A and E. It is also rich in iron, phytochemicals such as beta-carotene and antioxidants.