Phyllanthus emblica
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Phyllanthus emblica, also known as Indian gooseberry, is a deciduous tree of the family Euphorbiaceae.
The fruits contain high amounts of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), and have a bitter taste that may derive from a high density of ellagitannins such as emblicanin A (37%), emblicanin B (33%), punigluconin (12%), and pedunculagin (14%), Amla also contains punicafolin and phyllanemblinin A, phyllanemblin other polyphenols, such as flvonoids , kaempferol, ellagic acid, and gallic acid.
Ripening in autumn, the berries are harvested by hand after climbing to upper branches bearing the fruits. The taste of Indian emblic is sour, bitter and astringent, and it is quite fibrous.
The amla fruit may be eaten raw or cooked, the fruit is often pickled with salt, oil, and spices. It is used as an ingredient in dishes and is also made into a sweet dish made by soaking the berries in sugar syrup until they are candied. It is traditionally consumed after meals.
