Sweet tamarind
The “Indian date”
Sweet tamarind is the fruit of the tamarind tree, native to Asia. Its name comes from the Arabic “tamar hindi” (Indian date). Its pod is dented, elongated, brittle and light brown. Its sticky, brown ochre pulp has a sweet, non-acidic flavour, reminiscent of that of Agen prunes or dates. Children eat it like a lollipop: they crack off half of the shell and suck on the pulp. It is also used in dishes such as curry and colombo.
Tamarind contains tartaric acid and potassium bitartrate, which are known for their digestive and laxative properties. It also supplies vitamin B1, which is involved in the functioning of all the body’s muscles, vitamin B3, which favours good brain function and regulates cholesterol, vitamin C which has antioxidant properties, as well as potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron, etc.
