Amba Halad - The Humble Healer

At Goosebump pickles, the journey is about building a confluence of taste and health. India has a rich tradition. The spectrum of variety and diversity of ingredients and flavours is unique.

We have been trying to take this rich heritage and add a little bit of mischief to delight your tastebuds some more.

The Amba Halad or the Mango Ginger Pickle is one such offering.

We do not deny that the recipe for this pickle has been doing its rounds from Dadi Ma to the neighbouring Masi. Beyond the ingredients, there is some magic in the handmade process that we follow at Goosebumps Pickles.

While the Amba Haladi (Turmeric) lives in our imagination as something that looks like a cross between turmeric and ginger, you would be surprised to see its beautiful flowering plant, as shown below.

This ingredient has been a part of Indian gastronomy for centuries. While science has recently discovered its benefits, our homes have had faith in its healing properties for generations. It finds a rich mention in Ayurveda too.

Let us look some more into the rich properties of this humble healer.

Name - Interestingly, this is one spice you will find with a range of associated names.

Here is an exciting list also comprising some technical expressions.

• Amba Haldi
• Kacchi Haldi
• Mango Ginger
• Curcuma Amada
• White Haldi
• Zeodary

Amba Haldi is a root, a rhizome with a bright orange interior with a somewhat yellowbrownish exterior.

This humble healer has a spectrum of health benefits to its name:

Digestion - Amba Haldi is an excellent digestive aid that works well with the gastrointestinal tract. It is helpful with indigestion, colic, flatulence, spasms, worm infestation and a host of digestive benefits.

Anti-inflammatory - Amba Haldi is known to have potent anti-inflammatory properties. It can help relieve aches and muscle soreness. It is mainly used to provide relief in the case of joint pains.

Immunity booster - Various homes have used Amba Haldi to cure cough and minor chest infections.

Amba Haldi is mentioned as beneficial as a coolant as per Ayurveda.

But ultimately, it is about the taste.

While there is no doubt that Amba Haldi is a powerhouse of health, one has to remark on the exciting taste that it brings to the palette. We would have loved to describe it here. However, we instead recommend you try it for yourself - click here.