South Asia

Amba Haldi / Mango Ginger

Curcuma amada.

Rhizome.

Part Used

Fresh rhizome, most often used in pickles.

Form

Amba haldi (Hindi, literally 'mango turmeric').

India (particularly Maharashtra, Gujarat, and other western states).

Tastes and smells distinctly of raw mango with an underlying gingery warmth – despite looking almost identical to fresh turmeric root.

Pickling spice valued for its unique raw-mango aroma.

Amba haldi achar (pickle); some fresh chutneys.

Mustard oil, chile, salt (classic pickle combination).

Use fresh, typically within days of harvest for pickling.

Fresh rhizome keeps about 2 weeks refrigerated.

No close substitute for its specific mango-ginger aroma.

Not a blend component; used fresh in pickles.