Indian Gooseberry (Alma)?

Question

Does anyone know where I can commonly find Indian Gooseberry? I know they use it in some shampoo's however I'm actually interesting in EATING it. If I come across it in it's raw form how can I prepare it and what other foods are good with it? Thanks you Yahoo Answerians!!!

Answer 1

My grandmother had a tree in her backyard, they are very sour and tart in taste.  They make Indian pickles with amla.

http://nishamadhulika.net/sabzi/sabzi_so...

http://www.aayisrecipes.com/2006/11/22/a...

http://www.indobase.com/recipes/details/...

http://www.indobase.com/recipes/details/...

Answer 2

Let me first correct the spelling. It is Amla.

Amla has the highest concentration of Vitamin C per weight than any other plant food.

At any Indian Store you can buy powdered Amla. It is used to make a specific recipe of dried chickpeas (Kaaley Cholay), also used to dye hair when mixed with black Henna.

At the Indian stores, you buy many Chutney and Pickles made with Amla.

I don't really know where you are located. Sometimes, you can buy whole dried Amla berries at Indian Stores. If you are in USA, try Patel Brothers near you. They may help you out. Patel Brothers is the largest importers of Indian foods that they sell through family owned stores in major cities on east coast to Midwest. I know they also have a website to sell limited number of items online. You may be able to contact them through their website.

Answer 3

Amla makes a fantastic pickle.  Here's a recipe below:

http://www.aayisrecipes.com/2006/11/22/a...

And a place to buy online:  

http://www.indianblend.com/site/664954/p...