Ambadi or Gongura is one of the popular local greens in certain cuisines. I first learned about it from a local vendor who asked me to taste these deliciously intriguing sour greens but I learned more about the usage of gongura from my Bengali friends. Gongura is widely used in the Northeast and Andhra Cuisine.

Scientific name of Gongura

Hibiscus Sabdariffa. (It belongs to the Malvaceae family)

Other names

• Ambadi ( Marathi)
• Ambada, Pitwaa ( Hindi)
• Kenaf (English)
• Poi saag, Gongura (Bengali)
• Pulichchaikerai (Tamil)
• Chin baung ( Chinese)
• Rosella or Roselle.

Availability

It is cultivated in warm countries like India, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Tropical Africa, Florida, etc. In India, it is mainly popular in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Odissa, Bengal, Tripura, Mizoram, etc.

It is mainly available in summer and early monsoons but make sure to buy them fresh when the leaves are firm and not wilted or shriveled.

Appearance

Ambadi or Gongura come in 2 varieties- green-stemmed and red-stemmed variety but out of the 2, the one with the red stem is sourer and tart.

The leaves are small to medium in size, palmately lobed and have serrated edges. They usually have around 4-5 lobes, and they appear like a mini version of autumn leaves.

Taste

The smaller leaves are mild and tangy while the larger ones are more robust.

It’s this sour taste and tart flavour of ambadi that makes it unique and interesting at the same time.

How to Clean?

Ambadi leaves are rather easy to clean.

Separate the stem from the leaves then remove spoilt leaves, if any. Wash them properly before use.

How to store?

Store unwashed leaves but pat dry the leaves with a cloth and keep them in the fridge. It stays for around 5-7 days easily but it’s best consumed as soon as possible. Don’t forget to wash the leaves before use.

Nutrition Facts

Ambadi leaves are low-calorie and high-fibre. They contain carbohydrates, and are rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C and E. They are also a good source of folate, iron, zinc, calcium, potassium, magnesium, quercetin, anthocyanins, fibre, phytochemicals and antioxidants.

Health Benefits

These sour leaves have multiple health benefits some of which are listed below:

• Prevents Urinary Tract Infections
• Improves skin and hair health
• Anti-hypersensitive and Anti-atherosclerotic
• It’s antibacterial and antifungal
• High anti-oxidant ( aids anti-ageing)
• Prevents and manages Anaemia
• Anti Cancer
• Antibacterial and antifungal
• Anti-inflammatory

In local cultures, the leaves are used for skin conditions.

Caution

While Gongura is healthy and nutritious, one needs to be cautious.

• It is high in oxalates; hence is best avoided by anyone with kidney stones.
• Its sour taste can trigger or aggravate acidity and gut health issues.
• Its best avoided by those who are pregnant.
• Also, anyone with low BP or on diuretics needs to consume it with extreme caution.

Culinary use

They can be steamed, pickled, blanched, cooked, ground to paste, or even dried in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

Some culinary uses of these sour leaves are as follows-

• Chutney
• Pickles
• Soups and stews
• Stir fries
• Jams
• Tempering
• Gongura Tea
• Gongura Pappu
• Meat dishes

Conclusion

Gongura is more than just some sour leaves. It’s healthy, nutritious and in some ways a superfood. But just like most things in nutrition, consuming it cautiously (in case of medical issues) and in moderation is the key.

Have you tried Gongura yet? What do you call it in your language, and how do you use it? Any particular dish that is your absolute favourite? Share your experience in the comments below, and let us learn together. Meanwhile, make sure to read about- ambat chukka or nali bhaji.

References

• https://www.phytojournal.com/archives/2018/vol7issue1S/PartAL/SP-7-1-711.pdf
• https://specialtyproduce.com/produce/Gongura_Leaves_11189.php
• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325362131_South_Indian_leafy_vegetable_Gongura_Hibiscus_sabdariffa_L_as_an_important_medicinal_herb_a_review
• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/373622654_Pharmacological_Activities_of_Gongura_Roselle_Leaf_Recent_Advances