Choice and storage
Tamarind pods. Be aware brown, tart but sweet-flavored pulp enclosed inside laborious shell. |
Recent tamarind is available within the markets by late spring and early summer season. Nevertheless, processed tamarinds corresponding to compressed
tamarind blocks, ready-to-use slices, paste, concentrates, balls, and so on., might be extra available across the 12 months in condiment shops and spice markets.
Select contemporary unbroken pods packed in bins. In case you are buying a processed kind, purchase the product from a well-reputed genuine model. Keep away from outdated, desiccated pulp, or off-smelling merchandise.
As soon as at dwelling retailer the pods or pulp contained in the fridge the place it’ll keep contemporary for a number of months.
Culinary makes use of
Tamarind and chili pavlova. Courtesy: Rc |
Delicately candy and bitter, tamarind is likely one of the most sought-after substances in Indian, Center Jap, and Southeast Asian cooking. In some Indian households, its pods are minimize open, and contemporary pulp is used as and when required. Tamarind beans are struck with a “wood stick” (stored at dwelling, particularly for a similar function), and seeds are then manually eliminated. One might also use a paring knife to separate seeds from pulp.
To make use of as a condiment, a small portion of the pulp is soaked in half a cup of heat water for about 10 minutes. Swirl the pulp along with your fingers in order that it’s dissolved evenly in water to arrange a skinny sauce. Pressure the juice by way of a filter or skinny material sieve earlier than utilizing it in cooking.
Listed below are some serving suggestions:
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Tamarind is a typical ingredient throughout India and South-East Asia in curries, “rasam,” chutneys, in addition to in vegetable and lentil recipes.
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The pulp can be favored in “sizzling and bitter” soups as nicely in marinades.
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The juice manufactured from tamarind pulp with the addition of dates, sugar, honey, cardamom, cloves,
and coriander seeds are a refreshing drink marketed in numerous elements of the world. -
Its pulp can be employed in confectionaries as a solidifying agent.
Security profile
Tamarind has no recognized reported instances of allergy or toxicity and could also be safely utilized in being pregnant and nursing moms.
(Medical Disclaimer: The knowledge and reference guides on this web site are supposed
solely for the final info of the reader. It’s not for use to diagnose well being issues or for remedy functions. It’s not a
substitute for medical care offered by a licensed and certified well being skilled. Please seek the advice of your well being care supplier for any recommendation
on medicines.)
≺≺ Again to Spices from Tamarind. Go to right here for a formidable checklist of wholesome spices with full illustrations of their vitamin information and well being advantages.
≺≺ Again to Dwelling web page.
Additional studying:
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USDA Nationwide Nutrient Database. (opens in new window)
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Gernot-Katzer’s spice pages. (Opens in new window).