Mango ginger (Curcuma amada) is a plant that belongs to the ginger family, and it is native to India and Southeast Asia. It is also known by other names, including amada, aam ada, and manga inji.
It is not actually related to mangoes or ginger, but it gets its name from its mango-like flavor and ginger-like appearance. The plant has long, slender leaves and produces flowers that are pink and white in color. The underground part of the plant, which is the rhizome, is what is commonly used for medicinal and culinary purposes.
In traditional medicine, mango ginger has been used to treat various ailments, including digestive problems, inflammation, and skin disorders. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. In addition, the rhizome is also used as a spice and flavoring agent in culinary dishes, especially in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisines.
It can be used in a variety of recipes, both sweet and savory. Here’s a simple recipe for mango ginger chutney
Ingredients for Mango ginger:
- 1 cup fresh mango ginger, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup fresh grated coconut
- 2-3 green chilies, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 tablespoon jaggery (optional)
- Water as needed
Instructions for Mango ginger:
- Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Let them splutter for a few seconds.
- Add chopped mango ginger, green chilies, and turmeric powder. Saute for a few minutes until the mango ginger is slightly softened.
- Add grated coconut and salt, and mix well.
- Add a little water and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and let it cool down.
- Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
- If desired, add jaggery and blend again.
- Transfer the chutney to a bowl and serve it with your favorite Indian meals.
Tips and Variation:
- It can be used as a substitute for ginger in many recipes, including curries, soups, and stir-fries.
- To make a refreshing and healthy drink, blend chopped mango and ginger, lime juice, honey, and water. Strain the mixture and serve chilled.
- Add thinly sliced mango ginger to your salads to give them a unique flavor and texture.
- You can experiment with different spice blends when cooking with mango ginger. Some popular blends include cumin, coriander, and turmeric.
- To store this, wrap it in a paper towel and keep it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. It can last up to 2-3 weeks if stored properly.
- To make a spicy and tangy pickle, mix sliced red chili powder, salt, mustard oil, and lemon juice. Let it sit for a few days before serving.
Serving Suggestion
- Indian meals, such as rice, dal, and roti. It can also be served as a dip with snacks like samosas or pakoras.
- As a Drink: Serve chilled as a refreshing beverage on a hot day.
- As a Salad: Serve as a side dish or appetizer before the main course.
- As a Pickle: Serve as a condiment with Indian meals, especially parathas and other flatbreads.
- On Desserts: Serve as a topping on ice cream or sorbet, or use as a flavoring agent in cakes, pies, and other desserts.
FAQs:
Q: Is mango ginger the same as regular ginger?
A: No, it is a different plant species and has a different flavor and appearance compared to regular ginger.
Q: Is mango ginger healthy?
A: It has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments and is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. However, more research is needed to fully understand its health benefits.
Q: Where can I buy mango ginger?
A: It can be found in Indian and Southeast Asian markets, or online through specialty food retailers. Dried or powdered mango ginger can be found in some health food stores.
Q: How do I store this recipe?
A: Wrap the rhizome in a paper towel and store it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. It can last up to 2-3 weeks if stored properly.
Q: Can I use mango ginger instead of regular ginger in recipes?
A: Yes, it can be used as a substitute for regular ginger in many recipes. However, keep in mind that it has a slightly different flavor profile.
Q: What are some common recipes that use mango ginger?
A: Some common recipes that use include chutneys, pickles, drinks, salads, and desserts.
Nutrition
Here are the approximate nutrition values for 100 grams:
- Calories: 50
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 0.6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Vitamin C: 35 mg (58% DV)
- Iron: 3 mg (17% DV)
- Potassium: 429 mg (12% DV)
- Calcium: 25 mg (3% DV)
it is low in calories and fat, and a good source of fiber, vitamin C, iron, and potassium. It also contains other nutrients like magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. However, it is important to note that these values may vary depending on the variety of this and the method of preparation.
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