Tamarind (Tamarindus indica)
is a leguminous tree bearing edible fruit that is indigenous
to tropical Africa. The genus Tamarindus is monotypic,
meaning that it contains only this species. It belongs to the family Fabaceae.
The tamarind tree produces brown,
pod-like fruits that contain a sweet, tangy pulp, which is used in
cuisines around the world. The pulp is also used in traditional
medicine and as a metal polish. The tree's wood can be used for woodworking and tamarind
seed oil can be extracted from the seeds. Tamarind's tender young leaves
are used in Indian and Filipino cuisine. Because tamarind has
multiple uses, it is cultivated around the world in tropical and subtropical
zones.The fruit is an indehiscent legume, sometimes called a
pod, 12 to 15 cm (4+1⁄2 to 6 in) in length, with a hard,
brown shell.
Tamarind
seed oil is the oil made from the kernel of tamarind seeds. Thailand
has the largest plantations for the production of Tamarind.
