Tamarind

Tamarind
Tamarind is a leguminous tree in the family Fabaceae indigenous to tropical Africa. The genus
Tamarindus is a monotypic taxon, having only a single species.The tamarind tree produces edible,
pod-like fruit which are used extensively in cuisines around the world. Other uses include
traditional medicine and metal polish. The wood can be used in carpentry. Because of the tamarind’s
many uses, cultivation has spread around the world in tropical and subtropical zones.The fruit pulp
is edible. The hard green pulp of a young fruit is considered by many to be too sour, but is often
used as a component of savory dishes, as a pickling agent or as a means of making certain poisonous
yams in Ghana safe for human consumption.The ripened fruit is considered the more palatable, as it
becomes sweeter and less sour (acidic) as it matures. It is used in desserts as a jam, blended into
juices or sweetened drinks, sorbets, ice creams and all manner of snacks.