Small usiri kaya known as Star gooseberry or star amla is an ancient fruit originating in tropical climates. This fruit grows throughout Asia, parts of Central America, the Caribbean and parts of South America.
The fruit's arrival in India is difficult to pinpoint. The other gooseberry, Amla is distinctively native to parts of India. Star amla is grown in many parts of India. This fruit is not available in market. The plants are house garden plants. Sometimes vendors offer them for sale. Star amla may bring you back memories of your childhood, when you must have eaten them along with salt and pepper!
Star amla can be called super fruits as they have incredible health benefits! Usiri fruits are known for blood purifying and as appetite stimulant. They are used to remedy bronchitis, biliousness and treat digestive disorders.
Even the star amla leaf extracts exhibit strong anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant properties. The study suggests that the leaves may remedy oxidative stress, pain and inflammation. I tried to make some chutneys, dal and temporary pickle using star amla. Here is a recipe to make coconut chutney.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup usiri kaya pieces
- 1/2 cup grated fresh coconut
- 2 green chiles
- 1/4th Tsp. turmeric powder
- 1 Tsp. methi mustard powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 Tsp. oil
- Pinch hing (asafetida)
Directions:
- Cut usiri kayalu in to pieces.
- Discard seeds.
- Grind the pieces, grated coconut and all the ingredients.
- Heat oil and add hing.
- Pour hot oil over the ground mixture.
- Transfer to a serving dish.
- Nice tangy chutney is a very tasty side dish for rice, idli or dosa.
