It is easy to make dried amlas at home and it has wonderful health benefits. The wonderful thing about amlas is that even if we dry them, they don't lose their nutrients. Amlas have a bitter taste when you bite into them, then leave a sweet after taste. I have always hated eating amlas fresh, though I am very well aware of the health benefits of this wonderful fruit. Over the years I have found delicious way of eating the fruit like amlas in honey, amla pickle, etc. This dried amla is the latest addition to the list. I have always suffered from motion sickness, especially when I am traveling to hill stations. Since I travel at least monthly once to see my son, who is studying in a hill station, I suffer a lot. Only the thought of seeing my son and bringing him home, encourages me to take these trips. But now I have found a healthy and effective remedy for motion sickness. I have found that citrus aroma helps me a lot with motion sickness. When I chew on this dried amla, the citrus taste keeps me from falling sick and throwing up. When I say dried amla, please don't think it doesn't taste good. Because you are sun drying it with salt and lemon juice, it tastes really nice. It is also one of the best source of vitamin c. Regular intake of amlas in any form keeps you healthy and gives a healthy glow to your skin. Try to sun dry the amlas when you have plenty of sunlight. If it is not properly sun dried, it will get spoilt soon. But if you dry it well, it stores well for months. To make dried amla, take fresh amlas, remove the seeds and cut into small pieces. Mix it with salt and lemon juice. Sun dry till crisp and store in airtight boxes. Your dried amlas are ready! These amla are high in vitamin C. Regular consumption helps to boost immunity and it helps in iron absorption too. These dried amlas also help prevent vomiting sensation during pregnancy. If given to children, it prevents them from getting cold and flu. This dried amlas also will prevent hair fall, if consumed regularly. If you don't get plenty of sunlight in your place then you can dry the amla pieces in microwave or oven or in shade till the moisture is completely gone.
1. Take fresh amlas and remove the seeds by pounding them in a mortar and pestle. Don't crush them finely.
2. Cut the amlas into very small pieces. The smaller the pieces, the quicker they will dry out in the sun.
3. Mix the cut pieces with lemon juice and salt.
4. Dry them out in the sun, spread on a plate.
5. Once dry, store them in airtight boxes.
NOTES:
- Use only fresh amlas.
- If it is not dried properly, they will spoil soon.
- Make sure to do this dried amlas during hot summer months, when you get plenty of sunlight.
- Store them only, after it is sun dried completely.
- I felt the amount of salt I have given was perfect, but if you feel it is too salty for you, you can reduce it a bit.
