Tamarind

What is Tamarind

Tamarind, [TAM-uh-rihnd] Also known as Indian date , the tamarind is the fruit of a tall shade tree native to Asia and northern Africa and widely grown in India. In Spanish the term is tamarindo.

Whole tamarind pods are used for it's tangy, sour flavor in Mexico's Agua de Tamarindo and it's also used to flavor soups and stews. Additionally it is used in Asian and Indian cuisine. Available in whole pods or tamarind paste. (Nutrition information is for raw tamarind pulp)

Substitute for Tamarind

To replace 2 tablespoons tamarind paste soaked in 3/4 cup hot water and strained:
Mix 1/3 cup lime juice with 1/3 cup water, OR
Amchur (amchoor) mango powder

Equivalents

50ml = 1/4 cup= 2lrg or 4 small pods

Exotic Fruits

Buy and Store

Tamarind pods can be purchased in most Mexican grocery stores, Asian and Indian markets as well as health food stores. (see where to buy, below) If the pod is fresh the bark shell will separate if you bend the pod in half. Older pods can be soaked hit hot water before peeling. It is best to purchase only the amount you. Unused pods can be stored in cool area in a plastic zip style bag.