Tamarind is a tree known as Tamarindus Indica. It’s found in Africa, India and Pakistan. The fruit looks bean like pods. When the fruit ripens the pulp of tamarind becomes a tasty sweet and sour. Tamarind is used in Indian cuisine mostly in southern India. It is used in drinks, chutneys and marinades as well as fish dishes. In Indian cuisine tamarind pairs
well with other spices, ginger and black pepper.
Tamarind contains polyphenols which have antioxidant and anti- inflammatory properties. It helps reduce blood sugar. It also helps in weight loss. Tamarind reduces cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It can help in lowering blood pressure.
Tamarind is found in different forms. Raw pods, Block pulp compressed in the block form and Tamarind concentrate in a jar where the pulp is boiled down . It also is found as tamarind syrup and tamarind candy. In some countries the tamarind candy has high amount of lead.
In Indian cuisine you can use tamarind instead of lemon juice. Tamarind can be stored in refrigerator and remains fresh for a long time. Tamarind can be found in Indian and Asian stores and also online.
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