Mango is indigenous to India, Burma, and Malaysia and is documented as one of the oldest cultivated fruits in the world. There is evidence of its cultivation going back 4,000 years. As a result of European colonization starting around the 16th century, mango has spread to many different regions. As a result of the colonist’s efforts, you can find mango growing throughout Africa and the Americas.
Dried and powdered mango is used as a spice and is also called amchur, which is sometimes spelled amchoor. Am means mango and chur or choor means powder. Mango powder is made by first sun-drying unripe mangoes and then grinding them into powder. Mango powder is ancient with a history that stretches back into antiquity, much like the other uses of the mango fruit.
Flavor profile of mango powder
Mango powder’s main flavor is sourness. It is used for its sourness in the same way that tamarind and sumac are used. Like tamarind, it offers a strong sour note backed up by a slight sweetness and accompanied by the fragrance of tropical fruit.
Health benefits of mango powder
Mango powder is a source of various nutrients, such as:
- Vitamins: Mango powder is a good source of vitamins A and C. A 60 g serving can provide you with almost 13 percent of your daily vitamin A requirement. You need vitamin A for ocular health as well as for a functioning immune system. A 60 gram serving of mango powder can provide 36 percent of your daily vitamin C, which has antioxidant properties to protect your body from free radicals and can enhance your immune system as well.
- Minerals: Calcium and iron are among the minerals that mango powder provides. You can get 12 percent of your daily calcium from this spice, along with 3 percent of your potassium. Calcium is important for healthy bones while your body needs potassium to maintain the right balance of fluids.
- Dietary fiber: A 60 g serving of mango powder can provide you with 4 percent of the dietary fiber that you need each day. This is significant if you take the small serving size into account. Dietary fiber is important for preventing constipation and can help with weight loss as well since it adds bulk to food and increases the feeling of being full.
Mango powder can be used to treat or prevent health issues, including:
- Scurvy: Mango powder has enough vitamin C to make it an effective treatment for people deficient in that nutrient. One of the traditional Indian cures for scurvy is to combine one part mango powder with two parts jaggery.
- Tooth decay: Mango powder has antibacterial properties and has been shown to inhibit the growth of some of the bacteria known to cause dental plaque. This means that mango powder may be effective for treating or preventing dental cavities.
- Poor vision: The relatively high level of vitamin A in mango powder can help to promote eye health. By regularly consuming mango powder, you may be able to prevent cataracts and other eye problems.
Common uses of mango powder
Mango powder is not widely known or used outside of India where it is an ingredient in a variety of chutneys, stir-fried dishes and curries along and is also used to flavor samosa filling. It is the main ingredient in chaat masala, a condiment used in certain curries.
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