exotic · Phyllanthaceae

Amla

Phyllanthus emblica

Energy
24kcal
Native
Top Producer
IND
Amla - A Amla close-up

Photo: Thamizhpparithi Maari · CC BY-SA 3.0

Origin & History

Where it comes from

Phyllanthus emblica, also known as emblic, emblic myrobalan, myrobalan, nelikai, Indian gooseberry, Malacca tree, amloki or amla, is a deciduous tree of the family Phyllanthaceae. Its native range is tropical and southern Asia.

World Production

Where it grows

39.2M
Tonnes · 2024

Note · Inside FAO 'Other fruits'

1
India30.47%
2
Viet Nam7.15%
3
China, mainland6.74%
4
Iran (Islamic Republic of)5.97%
5
Burkina Faso3.74%

Source: FAO STAT — Crops and Livestock Products, 2024

Notable facts

Things worth knowing

  1. 01

    The amla fruit, scientifically named Phyllanthus emblica, is a deciduous tree belonging to the Phyllanthaceae family.

  2. 02

    While its exact native region is unknown, amla is widely recognized as a tropical and southern Asian native.

  3. 03

    This exotic fruit is a nutritional powerhouse, offering a significant amount of Vitamin C per 100 grams.

  4. 04

    Amla boasts a substantial fiber content, making it a beneficial addition to a balanced diet.

  5. 05

    India is the top global producer of amla, contributing a vast quantity to the world's supply.

Properties

Health & nutrition

  • Amla is a good source of Vitamin C, which may support immune function.
  • The fiber content in amla may aid in digestive health.
  • Potassium, found in amla, is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.
  • Antioxidants present in amla may help protect cells from damage.
  • Consuming amla could contribute to overall well-being as part of a varied diet.

Informational only · not medical advice

In the kitchen

Culinary uses

Amla is a staple in Indian cuisine, often preserved in pickles or chutneys, and consumed fresh for its tartness. Its distinct sour and astringent flavor also lends itself to beverages and candies in various parts of Asia. In some regions, it's dried and powdered for use in traditional dishes and medicinal preparations.

Plates

Specimen photographs

Amla - Patanjali Amla Juice
Anjalipatwal · CC BY-SA 4.0source
Amla - Phyllanthaceae (leaf flower family) » Phyllanthus emblica
fil-LAN-thus -- flower leaf; it appears to flower from a leaf like stem 
EM-blee-kuh -- Latinized form of Sanskrit amalakah (sour)
oh-fiss-ih-NAH-liss -- official; used in pharmacological sense
commonly known as: emblic myrobalan, Indi
Dinesh Valke from Thane, India · CC BY-SA 2.0source