Mango Powder

Not spicy, not sweet, but bright and tart: green-mango powder (amchur) is a souring agent, used the way you would use a squeeze of lemon. Made from unripe green mangoes dried and ground, this tan powder adds a clean, fruity sourness to roasted vegetables, chickpeas and lentils, marinades, and spice rubs. Stir it in near the end of cooking, the way you would finish a dish with lemon or lime.

The tang comes from the fruit being picked green and unripe, so this is sour, not fruity-sweet. Add it after the vegetables are cooked rather than simmering it in, so the sourness stays fresh and clean. A little goes a long way, so start small and build.

We grind amchur in small batches in Portland, so the tart aroma stays sharp. In Indian cooking it is one of several everyday souring agents, alongside tamarind and lemon, used to brighten curries, stir-fried vegetables, and the tangy street snacks known as chaat. Where a recipe wants sourness without extra liquid, dry amchur does the job.

Single ingredient: mango powder. No salt, no sugar, no preservatives. Naturally gluten-free and vegan.

Is mango powder spicy?
No, and this is the most common mix-up. Amchur has no heat at all. It is tart and tangy, a souring agent like lemon juice, made from dried unripe mango.

Is it sweet, since it is made from mango?
No. It is made from green, unripe mangoes, which are sour rather than sweet. Expect a clean, fruity tartness, not the sweetness of ripe mango.

When do I add amchur while cooking?
Add it near the end, after the vegetables or lentils are cooked, so the sourness stays bright. Stirring it in at the finish, rather than simmering it long, keeps the fresh, lemony tang.

What is a substitute for amchur?
A squeeze of lemon or lime juice is the closest match for the tang, though it adds liquid. A pinch of tamarind or a splash of vinegar also works, with a slightly different flavor. Adjust the amount to taste.

How much should I use?
Start with half a teaspoon for a dish that serves four, taste, and add more. Amchur is concentrated, so a small amount brings noticeable brightness.