FOOD NEWS
Amchur Powder, The Ground Mango Seasoning For Richer Meat Dishes
BY CLARICE KNELLY
India is a diverse nation with many regional cuisines, and while you may know some North Indian dishes, the popular Northern spice called amchur powder is lesser-known.
Amchur powder is a tangy seasoning made from dried green mango, with a light brown color similar to cumin. The name comes from the Hindi “am” and “chur,” meaning “mango powder.”
North India is home to a huge mango crop, making amchur very popular. Many of the fruits are harvested when unripe, peeled, cut, dried, and ground into the powdered condiment.
Amchur has a citrus-like tartness with a honey-like sweetness that enhances grilled meats, kebabs, marinades, chutneys, and drinks like India’s minty, spiced lemonade, jal jeera.
Amchur is rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, fiber, calcium, and iron. It can even be turned into a face mask to combat acne, and it's also used in Ayurvedic medicines.
You can make your own amchur by dehydrating green mangoes and grinding them up, or you can find the seasoning at South Asian groceries or online for around $10.
