Mango Ginger, alternatively known as Manga Inchi, is a potent spice recognized in Ayurveda for addressing various health concerns. Although it resembles regular ginger with its irregularly branched rhizomes and white flesh, Mango Ginger is distinct from both ginger and mango. It carries the sweet, rich flavor of raw mango. Despite its name, Mango Ginger is neither related to mango nor ginger. Instead, it belongs to the same family as Turmeric, albeit with a pale yellow core rather than turmeric's bright yellow tissue.

Historical and Regional Names

This spice has a deep-rooted history in India, with different regional names reflecting its widespread use. It is called amaada in Bengal and amba haldar in Gujarat. In Malayalam, it is referred to as manga inchi.

Cultivation in India

Mango Ginger is extensively cultivated in Indian states such as Gujarat, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. It is typically planted in April and harvested within seven to eight months.

Health Benefits According to Ayurveda

Ayurveda highlights several therapeutic properties of Mango Ginger, utilizing it mainly for digestive issues. It is known for its antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, and it helps in balancing all three doshas, especially Pitta dosha.

Digestive Health

A key application of Mango Ginger is in treating digestive problems. It contains enterokinase, an enzyme that aids in protein digestion, relieves gas, and stimulates appetite.

Respiratory Health

Mango Ginger is beneficial for respiratory issues such as bronchitis and asthma, thanks to its expectorant and analgesic properties. It also helps alleviate cold and cough symptoms.

Skin Health

With its robust antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, Mango Ginger detoxifies the body, making it effective for skin issues like acne and itching.

Anti-Inflammatory Uses

The anti-inflammatory qualities of Mango Ginger make it useful in treating joint swelling due to arthritis and rheumatism. It also provides relief from swelling caused by injuries, sprains, and bruises.

Hair and Scalp Health

In Ayurveda, Mango Ginger is applied to combat dandruff due to its antimicrobial and antifungal properties. A paste made from Mango Ginger can help eliminate dandruff and lice when applied to the scalp and hair.

Medicinal and Culinary Uses

Medicinal Applications

• Indigestion and Appetite: Combine Mango Ginger with buttermilk.

• Pain Relief: Massage with Mango Ginger mixed with sesame oil.

• Cough and Cold: Mix Mango Ginger with honey.

• Skin Conditions: Apply Mango Ginger with rose water.

Culinary Uses

• Pickles, Chutneys, Sauces, and Candies: Mango Ginger can be used to prepare various condiments.

• Raw Consumption: It can be eaten raw or used as a seasoning for meat and vegetables.

• Palate Cleanser: Cut Mango Ginger into small pieces and mix with salt and lemon juice.

• Appetite Stimulation: Chew on its rhizomes.

Recipes Featuring Mango Ginger

Mango Ginger Dressing

A delightful dressing that complements salads and sandwiches.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp mango ginger, grated

• 2 cloves garlic

• Quarter cup cold-pressed sunflower oil

• 2 tbsp honey

• Juice of 2 limes

• 1 small green chilli, chopped (optional)

• Half tsp black pepper

• Half tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until thick and creamy.

2. Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate.

3. Shake well before use. Use one tablespoon per portion of salad.

Mango Ginger and Turmeric Instant Pickle

A quick pickle that can be used in various dishes.

Ingredients:

• 100g mango ginger

• 50g fresh turmeric roots

• 3 green chillies

• 4 limes/lemons

• 2 tbsp pink Himalayan salt

Instructions:

1. Wash and dry the mango ginger and turmeric roots.

2. Slice thinly into 1-inch-long juliennes.

3. Combine with slit green chillies, lime peel, and salt in a bowl.

4. Add lime juice and mix.

5. Store in a clean, dry glass jar. Consume within five to six days.

• Indigestion and Appetite: Combine Mango Ginger with buttermilk.

• Pain Relief: Massage with Mango Ginger mixed with sesame oil.

• Cough and Cold: Mix Mango Ginger with honey.

• Skin Conditions: Apply Mango Ginger with rose water.

Culinary Uses

• Pickles, Chutneys, Sauces, and Candies: Mango Ginger can be used to prepare various condiments.

• Raw Consumption: It can be eaten raw or used as a seasoning for meat and vegetables.

• Palate Cleanser: Cut Mango Ginger into small pieces and mix with salt and lemon juice.

• Appetite Stimulation: Chew on its rhizomes.

Recipes Featuring Mango Ginger

Mango Ginger Dressing

A delightful dressing that complements salads and sandwiches.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp mango ginger, grated

• 2 cloves garlic

• Quarter cup cold-pressed sunflower oil

• 2 tbsp honey

• Juice of 2 limes

• 1 small green chilli, chopped (optional)

• Half tsp black pepper

• Half tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until thick and creamy.

2. Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate.

3. Shake well before use. Use one tablespoon per portion of salad.

Mango Ginger and Turmeric Instant Pickle

A quick pickle that can be used in various dishes.

Ingredients:

• 100g mango ginger

• 50g fresh turmeric roots

• 3 green chillies

• 4 limes/lemons

• 2 tbsp pink Himalayan salt

Instructions:

1. Wash and dry the mango ginger and turmeric roots.

2. Slice thinly into 1-inch-long juliennes.

3. Combine with slit green chillies, lime peel, and salt in a bowl.

4. Add lime juice and mix.

5. Store in a clean, dry glass jar. Consume within five to six days.

Other Names: Aam Aadaa, Mango Ginger, Mango Turmeric, Gingembre mangue, Safranwurz, Aambaa Haldar, Amba Haldi, Ama Haldi, Kapoorhaldi, Ban Haldi, Ambarasini, Huli Arseen, Curcuma amada, Aambe Halad, Ambaa Halad, Darchob, Ambiya Haldi, Karpura-haridra, Termeric, Amahaldi, Amiya Haldi, Aami Haldi, Turmaric, Gandhmul, Curcumin, Ambia Haldi, Termaric, Zedoary, Haldhi, Amba Haldi Powder, Curcuma Amada , White Turmeric, Aama Haldi Powder, Aamba Haldi Powder, Wild Turmeric Powder, Jungli Haldi , Jangli Haldi, Kasturi Haldi , Kastoori Haldi, Ambahaldi, Safed Haldi, Kasthuri Manjal, Ambehald, Amhaldi, Aamhaldi, Amhaldi, Ambehalad, Amba Haldi Powder, Curcuma Amada , White Turmeric, Aama Haldi Powder, Aamba Haldi Powder, Wild Turmeric Powder, Jungli Haldi , Jangli Haldi, Kasturi Haldi , Kastoori Haldi, Ambahaldi, Safed Haldi, Kasthuri Manjal, Ambehald, Amhaldi, Amma Haldi, Curcuma Aromatica, Yellow Zedoary, Kasthuri Manjal, Kachur Sugandhi, Kachula, Kachura, Kachola, Kachora