What is Sweet Tamarind?

Tamarind is a member of Fabaceae family and it’s scientifically known as TamarindusIndica. It is a native to tropical Africa. The name tamarind has Arabian roots and it roughly translates to “Indian date”.

However, in India tamarind is called Imli. Tamarind has been used throughout the centuries in many different cultures and is still widely used around the world as part of many exquisite cuisines. Due to their sweet, robust flavor, tamarinds are common in candies, chutneys, jams, desserts, steak sauces, and Worcestershire sauce.

The tamarind tree produces pod-like fruit that has a hard brown shell which contains the flavorsome soft pulps that are sour-sweet in flavor. Due to its unique flavor it is part of many famous dishes as well as beverages. Aside from being a flavor enhancer sweet tamarind is eaten raw as well. Nowadays tamarind is being used as a flavor along with salt and spice in many cocktails because of its distinct sweet-sour taste. The flavor of tamarind is so strong that it can make your cheekbones go numb when consumed raw. But there is a fun flavor in this Indian date that one can get addicted to and still have no side effects.

Read more about IMLI to know the taste better

Some Interesting Facts about Tamarind

• India is the largest producer of tamarind today.
• Tamarind tree can grow up to 60 feet high.
• 100 grams of tamarind pulp contains 239 kcal.
• Tamarind tree wood is used to make furniture and its lumber is considered very robust.
• Tamarind pulp is used to polish brass ornaments in some South Asian countries.

Health Benefits of Sweet Tamarind

Tamarind is an awesome fruit and it offers not only great taste but even greater health benefits. Some of the best-known health benefits of sweet tamarind are as follows

• Tamarind is loaded with essential minerals and vitamins such as potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium and Vitamin C. Not just that, it also contains zinc, iron, sodium, niacin and many other nutrients.
• Tamarind is famous for its digestive properties and it is a well-known and trusted laxative. Due to the high amount of dietary fiber it aids digestion and proper bowel movements.
• Many trails and studies have indicated that tamarind can aid in controlling high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol. Although it is not a replacement for any medicine currently available and prescribed but its medical properties cannot be denied.
• Tamarind is a very good source of iron and iron is known for its ability to produce nutrient-rich red blood cells. Red blood cells play a major role in improving the circulation and giving you a fresh glow.
• Hydroxycitric acid also known as HCA can be extracted from the tamarind and HCA is proven to help with weight loss.

How to eat Tamarind?

The most awesome thing about tamarind is that it can be eaten in many different ways. That’s the reason it is one of the most fun and healthy foods known to man. Some of the ways we like to eat tamarind are as following

• Eating it raw. It is a treat on its own when its ripened.
• Adding to desserts.
• As a beverage
• As a jam or sauce
• Dried and converted into candy
• As a soup

There are very few foods that offer such great taste and so many health benefits. Tamarind should be a part of everyone’s diet. It offers both taste and health at a very nominal price. So come on let your cheekbones go numb enjoying all the health benefits. Check out our NY Spice Shop’s selection.