Gooseberry / Amla

Gooseberry also known as ‘Amla’ in Hindi or ‘Nelikkya’ in Malayalam or ‘Nellikkai’ in Tamil is an edible fruit with sour taste when they are ripe and bitter taste when they are in initial stages of growth. Gooseberries which are usually found are the big round shaped ones which are very good for hair and is used in various ayurvedic medicines. Its believed that one gooseberry can keep away from all the stomach related problems. Its recommended by the grannies to drink ‘Nellikarishtam’ , an ayurvedic medicine made out of syrup of gooseberries every day.

These are slightly different varieties. These are even sourer. They were most kids favorite when served with salt and red chili powder. My mouth starts watering whenever I see them. It’s hard to find the smaller ones these days. The pickles done with these are just mind blowing.