How to grow Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
Amla (Nelly) is a medium sized deciduous tree. Each gooseberry is rich in vitamin C and this is its main medicinal content.
According to Ayurveda, amla soothes Tridosha, increases immunity and mineral nutrition and reduces diabetes and fever. It is also a nerve stimulant.
The tree is a small to medium-sized tree that may grow up to 18 metres high but is usually about 10 metres tall. It has a spreading crown and a twisted or curved trunk.
Amla Plant Profile
- Origin: India
- Sunlight requirement: Full sun
- Growth habit type: Tree
- Average Height: 15-45 meters
- Average width (canopy span): 12-15 meters
- Growth rate: Medium
- Ease of growing: Moderate
- Fruiting season: February-March
Suitable climate and soil conditions:
Amla grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. It also tolerates a variety of soil types, but grows best in slightly acidic soils.
Sunlight requirements:
Amla prefers full sun to partial shade.
Planting distance:
Amla trees should be planted at least 6 metres apart. Grafted varieties of Amla plants can be grown in containers too.
Pruning:
The Amla tree only needs minimal pruning. Dead or diseased branches should be removed.
Water requirements:
Once established, amla is relatively draught tolerant. Provide water under sever draught conditions. Amla grown in containers require regular watering.
Amla berries:
Amla is a round, greenish to pale yellow berry about 1-3 centimetres in diameter. As it ripens, the colour become paler. The amla berries has a sour and slightly bitter taste.
Red-coloured hybrid varieties of amla are also available now.
Edible Uses:
The amla / nellikka is used in cooking to add a sour flavour to dishes. It's also used for making chutneys, pickles and preserves. Amla is often eaten with salt and red chilli powder as a snack.
Amla health benefits and medicinal Use:
- Amla has been used in traditional Indian medicine for thousands of years. It is well known for its health benefits, including improving digestion, strengthening the immune system and reducing inflammation.
- Amla is the main ingredient in the Chyavanprash, an age old ayurvedic preparation for good health and immunity. It is also one of the three main ingredients of Triphala, a popular Ayurvedic herbal formula.
- Nellikka (amla) arishtam is a common health tonic used in Indian households.
It is a common ingredient in hair care products as it strengthens hair roots and prevent hair loss.
- When cooked, the vitamin C content in amla reduces. Studies show cooking amla for an hour resulted in a reduction of about one-third of vitamin C content.
- Amla is one of the constituent of Triphala Churna.
Nutritional Value:
Amla is a rich source of vitamin C, antioxidants and other nutrients. It's also low in calories and rich in dietary fibre.
