Nandurbar Amchur
A tart mango powder from Maharashtra's Nandurbar district.
Nandurbar Amchur, also called mango powder, is a fruity spice from Maharashtra’s Nandurbar district. It is made by drying and grinding unripe local green mangoes known as Gaauti Aam. This centuries-old regional specialty is also referred to as Ambchur, Aamchur powder, Dry Mango powder, or Ground Mango. The name combines the district with “Amchur,” which means dried, powdered unripe mango in Marathi. Its Geographical Indication tag protects the name “Nandurbar Amchur” exclusively for this region.
Quick Facts
- Description
- Nandurbar Amchur is a fruity spice powder variety cultivated in Maharashtra
- Area
- Nandurbar district
- Country
- India
- Registered
- 30 March 2024
Facts from the source article.
Description
Nandurbar Amchur, also known as mango powder, is a popular Indian fruity spice made from dried, unripe green mangoes (Gaauti Aam - local variety mango) sourced from the Nandurbar district. The production process involves harvesting local varieties of mangoes while they are green and unripe. The mangoes are then peeled, thinly sliced, and sun-dried. The dried slices are processed into a fine powder, which is sold as ready-made Aamchur. Nandurbar Amchur has a honey-like fragrance and a sour fruity flavor. It is a tart, pale-beige-to-brownish powder used in various dishes, including stir-fried vegetables, soups, curries, and as a tenderizer for meat and poultry. It adds a fruit flavor without moisture and is used as a souring agent. Nandurbar Amchur is a favored ingredient in North Indian cuisine, particularly in dishes like Chhole, Matar Kulcha, Chicken Tikka, and Aloo-Tikki Chaat. It is also used in spice mixtures, marination, and stuffing. The tangy flavor of Nandurbar Amchur powder is especially beneficial during pregnancy, as it helps combat morning sickness and nausea. Nandurbar Amchur production is a traditional practice adopted by the tribes of Nandurbar, who have been involved in the process for generations. The contribution of Aamchur production is a significant source of economy in tribal livelihood, holding great social and cultural importance. Nandurbar Amchur is available all year round and should be stored in a well-sealed container to preserve its flavor and aroma.
Geographical indication
It was awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) status tag from the Geographical Indications Registry, under the Union Government of India, on 30 March 2024 and is valid until 19 October 2031. Amu Aakha Ek Se Farmers Producer Company Limited from Dhadgaon proposed the GI registration of Nandurbar Amchur. After filing the application in November 2020, the Amchur Powder was granted the GI tag in 2024 by the Geographical Indication Registry in Chennai, making the name "Nandurbar Amchur" exclusive to the region. It thus became the 38th type of goods from Maharashtra to earn the GI tag. The GI tag protects the Amchur from illegal selling and marketing, and gives it legal protection and a unique identity.
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