Tamarind is one of those things that you have probably heard of, but might not quite know what it is. I certainly couldn’t have picked it out of a lineup of fruits and veggies before writing this article. But it turns out it’s a versatile and unique ingredient that has many uses. So, let’s delve into the tamarind and all that it has to offer.
What is tamarind?
Tamarind is a pod-like fruit that comes from the tamarind tree, which is a tropical plant. It has a sweet and sour flavor, and it is used in many different types of cuisines. And when I say many different types, I’m serious: stews, chutneys, aguas frescas, candies, teas, and more.
Is tamarind a fruit?
A tamarind is indeed a fruit—a fruit, incidentally, is “the seed-bearing structure in flowering plants that is formed from the ovary after flowering,” according to Wikipedia. The tamarind plant bears the pod-like seed-bearer, which we know as tamarind. In addition to being a fruit, tamarind is a legume.
What does tamarind taste like?
Tamarind is big on flavor, and if you’ve never tasted it before, it’s hard to explain. It’s a mix of sweet and sour, sort of like a lemon or lime but with some smoky, caramel-y notes as well. If you’re trying tamarind for the first time, it’s best to start slow: a little goes a long way. Texture-wise, it’s chewy and similar to gum.
Is tamarind spicy?
Though sweetness and sourness are the most notable tastes for most people, some describe a tangy, spicy flavor when they bite into a piece of tamarind. You’ll have to try for yourself to see what you think!
What is tamarind paste?
Tamarind paste is, of course, paste that has been derived from the tamarind fruit—specifically, the pulp surrounding the seeds inside the pods. This paste has a much longer shelf life than fresh tamarinds and it’s concentrated so you don’t need to use much. There are many uses for tamarind paste but one you might be particularly familiar with is as an ingredient for pad thai.
What is tamarind good for?
While you may not have known exactly what a tamarind was before reading this article, you almost certainly have come across it in your daily life. As unique as this leguminous fruit is, it has many uses. Tamarind is used in pad thai, as noted above, but that’s just the beginning. It’s also an ingredient in Worcheshire sauce, helping provide the condiment’s signature tang. And really, tamarind can be used pretty much anywhere you’d want some citrus: Everything from tea to stew to candy can be spiced up with this bright, fruity flavor.
Tamarind also has been used in traditional medicine since time immemorial, and it’s also been used for woodworking and metal polish.
How do you eat tamarind?
Tamarind can be eaten in a variety of ways: in sauces, in desserts, in entrees, in drinks. But you can also eat it right from the pod. Just peel away the husk and chow down on the sour/sweet fruity flesh around the seeds. You will notice a pulpy, paste-like texture. Keep in mind that more mature tamarinds are sweeter; the younger ones may be so tart they’re unpalatable.
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