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Tamarind

Tamarindus Indica

Description:

The tamarind is a long-lived, medium-growth, bushy tree which attains a maximum crown height of 12.1 to 18.3 metres (40 to 60 feet). The seeds contain Glacatose and Mannose and are a very good source of starch for textile printing. The fruit has a fleshy, juicy, acidulous pulp. It is mature when the flesh is coloured brown or reddish-brown. The tamarind is best described as sweet and sour in taste, and is high in acid, sugar, B vitamins and, interestingly for a fruit, calcium. The fruit pulp is edible. The hard green pulp of a young fruit is considered by many to be too sour and acidic, but is often used as a component of savory dishes, as a pickling agent. It is used in desserts as a jam, blended into juices or sweetened drinks, sorbets, ice creams and all manner of snacks. In Karnataka, India it is called "Hunasae Hannu" and is used in saaru (lentil soup), sambhar or sambar (Vegetable Soup),Gojju(Sauce),Majjigae Huli (Yogurt based soup) and several types of chutnies. Imli chutney and pulusu use it. Along with tamarind, sugar and spices are added to (regional) taste for chutneys or a multitude of condiments for a bitter-sweet flavor. The immature pods and flowers are also pickled and used as a side dish. Tamarind is used as in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for gastric and/or digestion problems, and in cardioprotective activity.

Habitat:

Seen almost throughout India except hills.

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9 Comments

Hema  Shah
Hema Shah 12 years ago

Thanks!!

Wild Things
Wild Things 12 years ago

Thanks for using this picture for the face of the mission. Joined and added. Shall be adding few more spottings in due course. Thanks for the mission.

Hema  Shah
Hema Shah 12 years ago

The leaves are tasty too.!!
http://www.projectnoah.org/missions/8362...
Try this link Satyen.

Wild Things
Wild Things 12 years ago

Would love to join Emma, but I was unable to find the mission, sorry. Can you please guide me with the link?

Hema  Shah
Hema Shah 12 years ago

This would be a great addition to the Seeds and Seed Pod mission! Please consider joining!

Wild Things
Wild Things 12 years ago

My mom said it is linked to Arthritis. No idea if it is medically proven. I don't thin k eno is made using tamarind:) only sure about gums (hydrocolloids). Thanks Yogesh and Sachin.

Sachin Zaveri
Sachin Zaveri 12 years ago

Hummm,, yogesh it is,,,

YogeshSave
YogeshSave 12 years ago

mmmmmm!!!!!!!! mouth watering........

Hema  Shah
Hema Shah 12 years ago

Something very ironic. Antacid and Eno are made out of Tamarind!
Linked to Arthritis? Myth or reality?

Wild Things
Spotted by
Wild Things

Maharashtra, India

Spotted on Dec 17, 2011
Submitted on Dec 17, 2011

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