Aam Papad Himsagar (হিমসাগর আমসত্ত)
Mangoes are the king of all fruits. But if there is a competition for the throne among these kings, Himsagar would be a clear winner. A fleshy and juicy variety, Himsagar, is close to almost all Bengalis’ hearts. A usual picture in Bengali families would be women scraping Himsagar mangoes against a cane basket, or bet-er jhuri, turned upside down. A round plate or bowl below the basket would collect the pulp. Now came the old white Dhoti-s or old sarees with round patches of Aamsotto spread on them and left to dry in the sun. Once completely dried, you will find a piece or two in your dudh-er baati. Roti, milk and Himsagar Aam Papad can beat any fancy dinner on any day.
Area of Procurement
Malda
Specifications
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Texture/Appearance |
Himsagar Aam Papad is leathery with a smooth and soft texture. |
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Colour |
The Aamsotto is of rich caramel colour developed by the sun-drying process of the yellow-orange mango pulp. |
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Flavour |
It smells strongly of the sweet Himsagar mangoes. |
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How to store |
Contact with moisture or open air after drying can spoil the Aam Papad. So it is best to store it in airtight containers. |
Ways to try Himsagar Aam Papad
Milk and Aamsotto go best with each other. Even the great bard Rabindranath Tagore found it so alluring that he could not resist writing a few lines on this food combination! Sondesh with layers of Aamsotto is another tasty and very Bengali item. Why not have it only as itself? Tear a piece as big as you wish, roll it and bite it- the sweetness will stick to your teeth.
- MAPH100G
