per 100 grams
Carbohydrates 62.5 g
62.5%
Proteins 2.8 g
2.8%
Fats 0.6 g
0.6%
Water 31.4 g
31.4%
Fiber 5.1 grams
Trans Fats 0 ug
Ash 2.7 grams

Tamarinds

239 Calories per 100g

Living in a world full of culinary delights, tamarinds are one of the lesser known fruits for the average person. A tamarind is a sweet and tart pod-like fruit that grows on evergreen shrubs or trees. Tamarinds have been part of the human diet for many centuries. The fruit has a tart, tangy taste and is an essential ingredient in many dishes of world’s cuisines.

The Tamarind tree is native to Africa, but is now grown in tropical parts of India, Pakistan, China and several other countries. The chief commercial producers of the fruit are India, Mexico, Peru, Brazil and Egypt. All parts of the Tamarind tree are edible including the leaves, flowers and unripe pods. The pods contain a sweet and sour pulp that can be used to make sauces, jams and jellies. Tamarinds are also dried, ground and used as a spice.

Tamarinds are usually dark brown in color and range from 3 to 8 inches in length. It has smooth curvy outer shells which crack open when ripe. When cut open, the pulp inside the tamarind contains many edible seeds embedded in a canary-brown colored sweet-sour pulp. The pulp has a sticky yet tangy texture and it tastes both sweet and sour. Tamarinds are also high in several vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C, potassium, iron and manganese.

The most popular way to use tamarind is to make a drink or concentrate. It’s easy to make a delicious drink of tamarind by first pulping and soaking the tamarind in water. This creates a thick syrup-like syrup that has a sweet-tart flavor. The syrup can then be further dilute with cold water or sweetened with sugar or honey. Adding some fresh lime or tamarind nectar to this drink will add a wonderful aromatic flavor with a hint of tartness.

Tamarinds are also called the “king of all fruits” due to its celebrated health benefits, as it contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antibacterial properties. It has been used in traditional medicines for thousands of years for its digestive, immune boosting, and detoxifying properties. Tamarind is rich in antioxidants. These help to fight free radicals that can damage cells and DNA, causing common signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines. The high amount of Vitamin C in tamarinds also helps to bolster the immune system and protect against infections.

Additionally, tamarinds have also been studied for their anti-inflammatory effects which could benefit those with arthritic symptoms. Thus, tamarinds is one of the healthiest and tastiest fruities in the world, as it is packed with vitamins and minerals, helps boost immunity and provides anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and detoxifying properties.

Tamarinds are commonly used for flavoring curries, stews, soups, sauces and chutneys. The flesh and juice of the fruit can be easily used in many sweet and savory recipes. A popular use of tamarinds is as an ingredient in Worcestershire sauce. Tamarind will bring a unique acidic yet sweet flavor to a dish. Tamarind can also be used to make jams and marmalades, as well as candied tamarind slices. Tamarinds also make a great addition to refreshing smoothies or shakes.

Tamarinds are not just a great snack or healthy drink option, but it can also be used as a substitute for lime or other citrus fruits in many recipes. Whether you enjoy it as a refreshing drink or an ingredient in a dish, tamarinds can offer a delicious hint of sweet and sour in any meal. So don’t forget to include this amazing fruit in your diet and reap the benefits of its many health benefits!