What is it?
Tamarind is a tropical fruit tree which grows in dry climates. It has a wide spreading crown and a short trunk. It is slow growing but long lived. It originated in East Africa and was carried to Asia and Southeast Asia. Today, it is grown in most tropical and subtropical regions. The fruits or pods are usually 5 to 14 centimeters long and 2 centimeters wide. The ripened fruit contains 1-12 brown seeds surrounded by a sticky, edible pulp.
What is so good about it?
Tamarind brings a sweet and savory aspect to any product. Tamarind can be eaten fresh but can also be incorporated as an ingredient in a variety of applications. It is quite acidic in flavor and can be used as an exotic substitute to other fruits such as lime. From a nutritional perspective, 1 cup (251 g) of tamarind nectar is an excellent source of vitamin C and a good source of iron.
How to use it
Tamarind pulp can be used in culinary applications such as jams, candies, juices, and drinks. The pulp is a common ingredient in curries, chutneys, sauces, and even frozen desserts. Its acidity pairs well with sugar, chilies, and other flavors. Tamarind can be used to season cooked rice, meat, fish, and sauces. Imagine the possibilities of formulating with tamarind: tamarind BBQ wings, tamarind rice pudding, tamarind piccadillo, tamarind ale, fried fish with a tamarind sauce, tamarind chicken with mango salsa, and sweet tamarind chutney. Tamarind will also add a slight tang when added to ice cream or other frozen desserts.
What iTi offers
iTi supplies 22 brix and 65 brix cloudy tamarind juice concentrate. The products are 100% natural, GMO free, and produced from fresh, ripe, carefully selected fruit. The products do not contain artificial color, flavors, or preservatives. Tamarind is processed in FDA registered facilities, which are HACCP and Kosher-certified.
