Tamarind crop

Tamarind is one of the great trees of the tropics. Botanically name Tamarindus indica L., it is a subtropical, multipurpose fruit tree. The name tamarind is derived from the Arabic tamar-u’l-Hind because of the resemble of the fruit pulp to dried dates.

Tamarind grows wild in the drier area of tropical Africa but was introduced into India early on.

The tree is adapted to a variety of soils and can also be grown in saline, alkaline and sodic soils. Tamarind still remains largely unimproved and unappreciated as a horticultural crop.

Tamarind is a large, deciduous tree up to 30 m high. It has a short bole and a high, deep-seated, spreading crown, up to 12 m in diameter.

The fruit is a pendulous pod, 5-4 x 2cm, sausage shaped, curved or straight with rounded ends. The pulp is sucked out as a refreshing treat, or mixed into myriad drinks and sauces.

The pulp containing tartaric acid and sugars has a sweet-sour flavor. It is popular in cooking and flavoring. Pulp is a carminative and laxative.

Because of its antiscorbutic properties, pulp is used by sailors in place of lime or lemon juice. The seeds are very hard, shiny and reddish or purplish brown.

Tamarind crop