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Tamarind!
Tamarind is a fruit that is widely used in cuisines around the world, particularly in South and Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and Latin America. It is a pod-like fruit that grows on tall trees and has a brown, hard, and fibrous outer shell. Inside the shell, there is a fleshy pulp that surrounds seeds.
Background
Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) is a fruit tree native to the tropical regions of Africa, though it has been widely cultivated throughout the tropical regions of Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The tree itself can grow up to 25 meters tall and is characterized by a long, slender trunk with a crown of feathery leaves.
The tamarind fruit is a pod-like structure that contains a brown, fibrous outer shell and a fleshy pulp surrounding seeds. The pulp is the edible part of the fruit and is the source of tamarind's flavor and nutritional value.
The pulp is rich in a variety of nutrients, including vitamins C and E, B vitamins, calcium, iron, and potassium. It is also high in dietary fiber and contains beneficial plant compounds like polyphenols and flavonoids.
Tamarind is commonly used as a flavoring agent in a variety of dishes, particularly in cuisines from South and Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. It is often used in sauces, marinades, chutneys, and curries to add a tangy, sour flavor. Tamarind is also used in desserts, drinks, and candies. I love the sour notes that it imparts in the Somethin' Somethin' Sauce.
Flavor Profile
The flavor profile of tamarind is both sweet and sour, with a slightly tangy and acidic taste and is often compared to a combination of lemon and date, sometimes with a hint of apricot or prune. The sourness comes from the high concentration of tartaric acid, which gives tamarind its distinct tangy taste. Tamarind also contains other organic acids like citric acid and malic acid, which contribute to that tangy flavor.
Fun Facts
Apart from its culinary uses, tamarind has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It is believed to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, and has been used to treat a variety of conditions including digestive issues, fever, and sore throat.
