Tamarind

Tamarind is a tropical tree, which usually grows in Africa, Sudan and India. The pulp of the fruit is used in savory dishes. It is green in color when it is not ripe. It will be sweeter when ripe. The mature fruit turns brown. The dark brown pulp of the fruit is used in savory dishes such as sambar and fish curry. Other culinary uses are to make jam, syrup, chutney, pickle etc. The flour made from the seeds is used as a cattle feed in India.

Are there health benefits or dangers associated with this food? Does it contain any essential vitamins or minerals or other properties? Is it part of an popular diets? Where does it fit in on the food pyramid? Is it something that should be eaten every day, in moderation or once in a while as a treat? Tamarind fruit is very acidic. so it is usually not eaten alone. Tamarind contains Calcium and vitamin C. http://www.suanwang.com/Tamarind/tamarind.html The tamarind juice is used as a mild laxative. Tea made from tamarind leaves are used to reduce Maria fever.The tamarind pulp, leaves and bark are used in Ayuvedic medicines.http://www.spiceskerala.com/usesoftamarind.html# Tamarind can be applied to reduce the swelling. It is also reported to have colestrol reducing power. http://healthmad.com/alternative/10-benefits-of-tamarind/

• Sweet and Sour

Kingdom: Plantae

Division: Magnoliophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida

Order: Fabales

Family: Fabaceae

Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae

Tribe: Detarieae

Genus: Tamarindus

Species: T. indica