Tamarind

Tamarind (also known as Indian dates) (Tamarindus indica), one of the most common multipurpose trees in India, is also an important tree spice and is considered as a subsistence tree for the rural poor. Tamarind is naturalized all over India except in the cold hill tops and is rated as an invasive species, capable of outcompeting and shading out the native flora. Tamarind is also common in the tropical African countries. In India, commercial crop of tamarind is grown in Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. Tamarind is a versatile fruit, which can be used for many purposes. The unique sweet/sour flavor of the pulp is popular in cooking and flavoring. Virtually every part of the tree has some value in commerce and particularly in the subsistence of rural people. This chapter deals with the tamarind tree comprehensively, including aspects of taxonomy, botany, chemistry, propagation, planting and after care, agronomical and nutrition aspects, pests and diseases, harvesting and postharvest aspects, products, functional properties, and medicinal, industrial, and culinary uses.