Grown in tropical regions of the world, tamarind is a pod like fruit growing on a leguminous tree. The tamarind pod has a sweet tangy pulp which is brown in color. Whereas, the pulp of young green pod tastes sour.
The bean like pod is filled with brown fibrous flesh and seeds. The leaves of the tamarind tree are sour in taste.
Tamarind pod can vary from 7.5 cm to 15 cm (3 inches to 6 inches). The weight of the pod depends on the pulp and seeds. Tamarind pod can weigh from 5 grams to 25 grams (0.7 to 0.9 ounces).
Scientific name of Tamarind
Tamarindus Indica
Other names of Tamarind
- Tintiri
- Tamarindo
- Tamarin
- Imlee
- Tamarinier
- Tamar indi
- Tamar hindi
- Indian date
Calories by source in Tamarind
- Calories by carbohydrate in Tamarind = 94%
- Calories by fat in Tamarind = 2%
- Calories by protein in Tamarind = 4%
Fats and Fatty Acid profile of Tamarind
- Polyunsaturated fat (PUFA) in Tamarind = 12%
- Saturated fat (SFA) in Tamarind = 53%
- Monounsaturated fat (MUFA) in Tamarind = 35%
Nutrition facts of Tamarind
*Serving size = 100 grams = 3.55 Ounces = 1/2 cup
*DV= % Daily Value (%DV indicates how much nutrients contribute to a person’s daily diet from a serving of a food. DV assists you in determining whether or not a serving of food is high or low in a particular nutrient.)
| Nutrient | Amount | Unit | DV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 239 | KCAL | |
| Fat | 0.6 | GRAM | 1% |
| Protein | 2.8 | GRAM | 6% |
| Carbohydrate | 62.5 | GRAM | 23% |
Detailed vitamin profile of Tamarind, vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin D, Folate, Niacin, Thiamin, and Riboflavin is shown in the chart.
Detailed mineral profile of Tamarind, Sodium(Na), Calcium(Ca), Copper(Cu), Iron(Fe), Magnesium(Mg), Selenium(Se), Phosphorus(P), Potassium(K) and Zinc(Zn) is shown the chart.
Check freshness in Tamarind
- Fresh Tamarind flesh will be soft to the touch
- You can also buy hard flesh depending on the intended use
- Avoid green colored flesh if you intend to not have a sour taste in your cuisine
- Mature tamarind will have fibrous sticky flesh
Availability of Tamarind
- Available round the year
How to store Tamarind
- Fresh tamarinds can be easily stored in fridge for 3-4 months.
- Fresh tamarind can be stored in room temperature for 7-10 days. (avoid extreme heat and direct sunlight)
- In freezer, tamarinds can last for years
- Dried tamarind pulp can be stored for several months in room temperature
- Keep the dried tamarind pulp in container (preferably air tight jar) to extend the life even more and to avoid fungal growth
Complete nutrition facts of Tamarind
Click on the link HERE to download high quality, high resolution and print ready PDF version of the Tamarind nutrition chart/infographic.
