Sweet Tamarind

A tropical fruit native to Africa, the sweet tamarind comes from the evergreen tamarind tree, scientifically known as Tamarindus indica L. from the Fabaceae family of plants. This variety of tamarind is Sweet.

The tamarind tree produces long, curved brown pods that resemble large over-mature green beans. Each pod has 12 small brown seeds surrounded by fibrous reddish-brown pulp that can taste acidic or sweet, according to its growing season.

As the pods of the sweet tamarind matures, the pulp dehydrates into a sticky paste, which can be eaten raw or used as seasoning in sauces, soups, relishes, curries and to make candy. In addition to the pulp, sweet tamarind flowers and leaves can also be consumed as a vegetable. The seeds can be roasted, boiled or made into flour for baking. Unripe tamarind pods make a good flavoring for fish, rice and meat.