Tamarind

Tamarind is a type of tropical fruit that is commonly used in Asian, East African, and Middle Eastern cuisine. It has a very distinctive sour and slightly sweet flavor. The fruit comes from the tamarind tree and the pulp from its pods can be used to make sauces, jams, drinks, soup bases and other dishes. Tamarind is rich in vitamin B6, magnesium, zinc, iron and calcium.

Ingredients

Tamarind has a variety of uses, but its basic ingredient is the fruit itself. The tamarind fruit consists of a pulp and a seedpod. The pulp can be used in cooking, while the seedpod can be ground up to make tinctures and extracts. Additionally, other ingredients that may be included in tamarind-based dishes include sugar, salt, chili powder and spices such as cumin and coriander.

Nutritional Facts

Tamarind is a good source of dietary fiber, protein, vitamin B6, magnesium and calcium. It also contains significant amounts of iron, zinc and potassium. The fruit can provide an excellent source of dietary energy as well, with approximately 300 calories in 100 grams. Additionally, tamarind's principal constituents are carbohydrates and fats that boast an impressive array of health benefits.