Indian gooseberry, or amla, has a long history in Ayurveda, the traditional medical system of India. It has been used for thousands of years; early Ayurvedic books such as the 600 BCE Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita make reference to it. Amla is revered in Ayurveda as a strong rasayana, or restoring plant, that supports longevity and physical balance. Amla is known as a tridoshic fruit, meaning that it can help balance the body’s three doshas (Pitta, Kapha, and Vata). It is especially valued for its ability to reduce heat, which makes it useful for ailments including heat or overheating. Amla has long been used to strengthen the immune system, facilitate digestion, and boost the condition of the skin and hair. It is regarded as a rasayana herb and is famous for its capacity to increase energy and slow the aging process. Chyawanprash is a famous Ayurvedic preparation that uses amla to boost immunity and improve general health. It is a herbal jam. Ayurvedic hair oils and skincare products frequently contain amla, which is prized for its restorative qualities. Modern science has recently acknowledged amla’s strong antioxidants and high vitamin C quantity, supporting its ancient Ayurvedic use. Amla is still an essential part of Ayurvedic treatments and has a lasting impact on overall health and well-being. Today we are discussing how to make Amla  Candy .

Amla Candy

Introduction 

It’s a fun and healthy project to make amla candy, also called Indian gooseberry candy. With a variety of health advantages and its potent vitamin C content, amla is a great option for a handmade treat. Using this methodical recipe will enable you to make a nutritious and delicious amla candy.

Ingredients:

250 grams of fresh amla (Indian gooseberries)

1 cup of sugar

1/2 cup of water

1/2 teaspoon of black salt (optional)

1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder (optional, for a spicy
twist)

A pinch of asafoetida (hing) (optional) 

1. Prepare the Amla:

To begin, give the amla a thorough washing under running water to get remove of any dirt or toxins. Using a fresh cloth or paper towel, pat them dry. The quality of the candy depends on how clean and fresh the amla is.

2. Cut the Amla:

Cut the amla into little pieces using kitchen shears or a sharp knife. If you want your candy to be seedless, you can take out the seeds; if you want a little tang, you may leave them in. The amla can better absorb the tastes of the sugar syrup if they are cut into little pieces.

3. Prepare the Sugar Syrup:

Put the water and sugar in a large pot. Heat the pan to medium and mix constantly until all of the sugar melts and a clear syrup is formed.

 4. Seasoning (Optional):

At this stage, you can incorporate any optional seasonings—like asafoetida (hing), red chili powder, or black salt—into the sugar syrup for added taste. To make sure the seasonings are dispersed equally, stir.

5. Cook the Amla:

Gently drop the chopped amla pieces into the syrup made of sugar. Make sure the amla pieces are well covered with the syrup and any additional spices by mixing the mixture. This will give your candy a base that is sweet, zesty, and tasty.

6. Simmer and Cook:

Lower the flame to an appropriate level and let the amla gently cook in the sugar syrup. To keep things from sticking and burning, continue to mix from time to time. Simmer the amla until the pieces are delicate and transparent, and the syrup starts to solidify. generally, this procedure takes fifteen to twenty minutes. The sugar syrup’s sweetness will be absorbed by the amla, making a delicious treat.

7. Cool the Mixture:

After the amla is cooked, remove from the heat and allow to cool a bit. It will help the candy set.

8. Remove the Amla:

Carefully remove the amla pieces from the syrup using a fork or a slotted spoon, letting any extra syrup fall back into the pan. You can store the syrup for use in other recipes.

9. Air Dry:

To allow the cooked amla pieces to air dry, place them on a dish or an iron rack. They will harden and take on a texture like to candy as they cool. You can put them in the sun or in a ventilated spot for four to six hours, or even overnight, to speed up the drying process. It is vital to make sure they are completely dry to avoid spoiling and extend their shelf life.

Store your homemade amla candies in an airtight container after they have dried completely and reached the right hardness. To preserve the candy’s quality and flavor, store the container in a cold, dry location. You’ve made amla candy successfully, congratulations! These tangy, sweet, and healthy delights can be eaten as a dessert, snack, or even as an ingredient to add some flavor to other foods. To fit your tastes, you can change the amount of sweetness and spice.

Conclusion

Not only is amla candy a delicious treat, but it’s also a great way to include the many health advantages of amla in your diet. Amla is a guilt-free treat because of its high vitamin C concentration, which is known to boost the immune system, support skin health, and help with digestion. Thus, savor your homemade amla candy and benefit from its health-promoting properties.

Expert tips

Amla, sometimes referred to as Indian gooseberry, is a nutrient-dense superfood that has a host of health advantages, such as strengthening the immune system, promoting liver function, and enhancing the condition of the skin and hair. A tasty method to include amla in your diet is to make amla candies. This dessert maintains the health benefits of amla while providing a tasty and entertaining snack. This is a thorough recipe book for amla candy that includes professional advice to guarantee the greatest outcome.

Preparation of Amla:

To make amla candy, you must first prepare the amla. To begin, give the amla a thorough washing to get rid of any dirt or contaminants. The amla needs to be blanched after washing. The amla should be added to a big pot of boiling water. The amla will become slightly softer after blanching for two to three minutes, making it easier to handle and chop. This procedure also aids in lessening the fruit’s bitterness. Once the amla has been blanched, remove the water and let it cool. To get rid of any extra moisture, blot them dry with a fresh cloth after they have cooled.

Deseeding and Segmenting:

Deseed the amla after that. The fruit has naturally occurring sections that are simple to separate. Cut the amla into segments and take out the seeds by cutting along these lines. This is an important step since it ensures a more equal absorption of sugar in the subsequent processes and also makes the candy simpler to eat.

Sugar Coating Process:

The amla segments must be coated with sugar as soon as they are prepared. Put the amla pieces in a big basin and well combine them with the sugar. Make sure the sugar coats every piece thoroughly. For two to three days, leave the bowl covered with a fresh cloth. During this time, the sugar dissolves and combines with the amla’s juice to create a syrup. To guarantee that the sugar syrup is evenly coated and absorbed into the amla pieces, stir the mixture once a day.

Drying the Amla:

It’s time to dry the amla pieces once the sugar has dissolved and they have become well covered. Remove the syrup; it can be stored and used to make a cool beverage or as a sweetener. Arrange the amla pieces evenly on a tray covered with a clean cloth or parchment paper. Let them air dry in a cool, shaded area away from the sun. Depending on the weather and humidity, this drying process may take three to four days. You can use a food dehydrator or a low-temperature oven to dry things more quickly. To ensure even air circulation, make sure the amla pieces are spread out in a single layer, and stir them occasionally to encourage consistent drying.

Final Coating and Flavor Enhancement:

To improve the flavour, the amla pieces can be coated one last time after they have dried. If preferred, dust them with a blend of salt, cardamom powder, and black salt. This contributes a distinct taste and helps counterbalance the candy’s sweetness. To ensure that the spices are evenly coated, thoroughly mix the pieces.

Storage:

To guarantee the amla candy’s lifespan, storage must be done correctly. The flavoured and dried amla bits should be stored in an airtight container. The candy keeps well for several months if kept in a cool, dry place. You can keep the candies in the fridge to extend their shelf life even further. To stop mould from growing, make sure the amla is totally dry before storing.

You may make and share this delectable, tangy-sweet amla candy by following these instructions and suggestions. This candy guarantees that you will enjoyably benefit from amla’s health benefits in addition to being a delicious treat.

Benefits Of Amla Candy

Indian gooseberry candy, or amla candy, is a tasty and healthful way to include this superfood in your diet. The many health advantages of amla sweets are as follows:

Rich in Vitamin C
One of the best foods for vitamin C is amla. Eating amla sweets will strengthen your immune system and help stave off common illnesses like the flu and colds. Additionally, vitamin C functions as an antioxidant to shield your cells from harm from free radicals.

Enhances Digestive Health
Digestion is facilitated by amla sweets because it stimulates the release of digestive juices. It can ease digestive problems such as gastritis, constipation, and bloating. Amla’s high fibre content also helps to maintain a healthy gut and encourages regular bowel motions.

Supports Heart Health

Heart disease risk factors such as inflammation and oxidative stress are lessened by the antioxidants in amla sweets. Amla can improve cardiovascular health by preventing the building of plaque in the arteries and lowering cholesterol levels.

Improves Skin Health

Consuming amla sweets on a regular basis might enhance skin health. The high vitamin C concentration encourages the formation of collagen, which preserves skin suppleness and lessens ageing symptoms like wrinkles and fine lines. Amla also gives the skin a natural glow and aids in the reduction of pigmentation.

Boosts Hair Growth

Amla is well known for its advantages for healthy hair. Amla candy has the potential to fortify hair roots, stop hair loss, and encourage hair development. The scalp and hair follicles are nourished by the nutrients in amla, such as vitamin C and antioxidants, which results in stronger hair.

Enhances Eye Health

Amla candy’s high carotenoid and vitamin A concentration is good for your eyes. These nutrients lower the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration while also helping to improve eyesight.

Regulates Blood Sugar Levels

It has been demonstrated that amla can aid with blood sugar regulation. When consumed in moderation, amla sweets can help increase insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar surges in individuals with diabetes.

Boosts Immunity

The immune system is strengthened by the vitamin C, antioxidants, and other nutrients included in amla candy. This can keep you healthier overall by strengthening the body’s defences against illnesses and infections.

Reduces Inflammation

Because of its anti-inflammatory qualities, amla may help lessen inflammation throughout the body. Those with inflammatory diseases like arthritis would especially benefit from this.

Enhances Mental Health
Amla candy contains vitamins and antioxidants that can enhance memory and cognitive performance. Amla’s anti-inflammatory qualities help maintain the health of the brain and may lower the chance of developing neurodegenerative illnesses like Alzheimer’s.

Detoxifies the Body
Amla aids in the body’s detoxification of the liver and removal of toxins. This can promote improved metabolic function and enhance general health and energy.

Aids in Weight Management
Amla candy’s fibre content makes you feel fuller for longer, which might help with weight management. Amla can also increase metabolism, which aids in efficient calorie burning.

Improves Oral Health
Oral health can be enhanced with amla sweets. Its antibacterial qualities support stronger gums, lessen bad breath, and stop tooth decay.

Enhances Respiratory Health
Frequent ingestion of amla sweets has been shown to enhance respiratory health. Because it improves lung function and reduces inflammation, it can help manage long-term respiratory disorders like bronchitis and asthma.

Provides a Natural Energy Boost
Amla candies are a healthy way to increase energy. Amla’s nutrients support your body’s effective process of converting food into energy, which keeps you going throughout the day.

Conclusion
In addition to being a delicious confection, amla candy has numerous health advantages. The benefits of amla sweets are manifold, ranging from strengthening immunity and promoting digestive health to improving skin and hair. You can enjoyably and conveniently receive the health benefits of amla by including this sweet and tangy snack in your diet. To avoid any potential health risks, it’s crucial to eat amla candy in moderation, particularly if it has extra sugar.

    ***  Benefits of amla candy, Source of information “godesi“

Amla candy is a tasty and healthful snack made with sugar and Indian gooseberries, or amla. The following is a general summary of the nutritional value of a standard serving (about 100 grams) of amla candy

Nutrition Value for Amla Candy (per 100 grams):

Calories: Approximately 300-350 kcal

Carbohydrates: Approximately 80-85 grams

Sugars: Approximately 70-75 grams

Dietary Fiber: About 3-5 grams

Protein: Around 1-2 grams

Fats: Negligible (usually less than 1 gram)

Vitamin C: A substantial amount, though the precise amount can vary based on preparation methods and amla usage levels.

Minerals: trace levels of iron, calcium, and other necessary minerals

Sodium: The amount of sodium in handmade amla candy varies depending on whether salt is included, although it’s usually minimal.

Other Nutrients: In addition to its many health benefits, amla is well-known for its antioxidants, phytochemicals, and other advantageous substances.

It’s vital to remember that the overall nutrition values can change depending on the recipe and sugar content. Customized amla candy created at home allows you to add extra ingredients like red chili powder or black salt, as well as change the amount of sugar. Due to the sugar syrup used in its manufacturing, amla candy has a more high sugar content, yet it maintains the nutritional advantages of amla. Rich in vitamin C, amla also has antioxidants that support healthy skin, boost the immune system, facilitate digestion, and provide other health advantages.