Mexico / Tamarind

Originating in tropical East Africa, tamarind is known as the tree of life for the shade given by its graceful feather like leaves. It acquired its name from the Arab sea traders of India who christened it tamrhindi (Tamar due to the date like consistency of its pulp, and hindi India).

The fruit of the tree looks like a large lumpy fava bean, with a hard outer shell concealing a sweetish sour, pulpy texture surrounding seeds.

The tamarind tree tolerates poor soils and extremely dry conditions, but grows equally well in humid habitats. It was cultivated in the eastern Mediterranean as early as the fourth century BCE. Today its many and varied cultivars are found growing all over the world.

It’s uses are many. Medicinally used in the treatment of colds, fever, inflammation, stomach issues, and constipation. It has antiseptic and antibacterial properties.

The pulp is used for both savory and sweet concoctions, it is one of the ingredients in Worcestershire sauce. The leaves and flowers are used as a mordant in dyeing. The seeds produce oil that is used for lighting fuel and for varnish. The lumber is used in furniture and boat making as well as for heating fuel. The high quality charcoal from the burned wood is used in gunpowder.

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Cocktails: Pineapple Tamarind Cooler or Tamarind Mezcal Sour

Tamarind Street Corn Cup, Honey Tamarind Baby Back Rib

Creamy Mexican Tamarind Chicken

Boris de Pay de Limon -Mexican Lime Ice Pops