Emblica (Phyllanthus emblica)

Family: Phyllanthaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Emblic or Phyllanthus emblica is a slow-growing, deciduous tree popular for its edible fruit. It reaches a height of up to 18 m upon maturity and it has simple, light green, pinnate leaves. Its flowers are greenish yellow. Its bole is often twisted and about 35 cm in diameter. The fruits are usually made into desserts or jams.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour, they are not often eaten raw unless accompanied with sugar, salt or chillies to moderate them. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; An acid, rather astringent flavour, they are not often eaten raw unless accompanied with sugar, salt or chillies to moderate them.; The astringency can be removed by steeping the fruits in brine for a few days.; The fruits are more commonly used to make jams, jellies, tarts, chutneys etc.

Habitat & North American Range

Mixed forests. Drier forests. Dry open sparse forests or scrub, village groves at elevations of 200 - 2,300 metres in southern China. (Zone 10)