Tamarind is a very large tree with long, heavy drooping branches with dense foliage. The pods hang on the branches and are brown in color. The outer layer is a hard shell with a soft brown pulp around the seeds. This pulp and seed are held together by an extensive fiber network. It is sweet and tangy; this spice is widely used in South India.
Benefits:
- Tamarind is a rich source of dietary fiber and helps with cholesterol levels. Due to the tartaric acid it is sour to taste and acts as an antioxidant. This is a good source of minerals such as copper, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, and magnesium. It is also rich in vitamins A and C.
Tamarind may help in the following:
- Mixed with water, it is used to treat diarrhea and constipation.