Tamarind

Tamarind is an indispensable spice in south Indian kitchens. Being the only producer of tamarind on a commercial scale, India exports tamarind to West Asia, Europe and America.

Referred as date of India, this spice also comes in the forms of pulp and juice concentrates which mainly go into the preparation of cool drinks, sea foods and a range of sophisticated cuisine.

Tamarind trees are very common in South India, particularly in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Medicinally, tamarind is used as an Ayurvedic Medicine for gastric and/or digestion problems.

The extracts of tamarind fruits and leaves are used in body lotions, henna-based red hair dyes, face masks, lip balms, body butters and soaps. Tamarind seed oil is used in making paints and varnishes.