Dried Tamarind

Also known asTamarind Pulp · Dried Imli

Name: Dried tamarind (Tamarindus indica) — the sticky brown pulp of the tamarind pod, sold in compressed blocks, as dried pods, as paste or as concentrate. The fresh pod has its own page under Tropical Fruits.

Description

Tamarind is native to tropical Africa and was carried to India in ancient times, where it became a staple of cooking. The name comes from the Arabic tamr hindi, meaning “date of India.” Because the fresh pods are sticky and hard to keep, the pulp is traditionally compressed into blocks or dried to keep it for many months.

Dried tamarind is intensely sour, with a fruity, slightly sweet depth, and is a staple in Indian, Southeast Asian, Latin American and African cooking. It is also an ingredient in some sauces, such as Worcestershire sauce, and in drinks and sweets.

Main nutrition value

Dried tamarind pulp is high in natural sugars and acids, and also provides potassium, magnesium and some B vitamins, and fibre.

How best to be consumed

Dried tamarind is a flavouring more than a snack, so it is used in small amounts.

1. Soak a piece of the block in hot water, then press through a sieve to make tamarind water or paste.
2. Stir the paste into curries, dals, soups, chutneys and sauces for a tangy, sour note, as in sambar or pad thai.
3. Make tamarind drinks, such as agua de tamarindo, with water and sugar.
4. Check the block for seeds and fibres, which need to be strained out.
5. Store opened blocks wrapped in the fridge or in a cool, dry cupboard.

Overconsumption could cause…

Tamarind is safe in food-sized amounts, and its main effect is as a natural laxative and acid.

1. Loose stools or a laxative effect from eating a lot of the pulp or its sweets.
2. Stomach upset or heartburn from the high acidity.
3. Tooth enamel wear from frequent exposure to acid and sugar, especially in tamarind candies.
4. Possible lead contamination in some imported tamarind candies and products, so buy from reputable sources.

GroupsDried FruitsLegume familyDried

Made fromTamarind

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Wikipedia — Tamarind, used for origin, naming and general background: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamarind Wikipedia — Dried fruit, used for general background on drying and storing fruit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dried_fruit