Tamarind (Indian date)

In the tropical forests of Africa and Asia grows a very tall branching tree with pink flowers, called tamarind. The name comes from the Arabic word tamarindi and means Indian date. The Latin name of this plant is Tamaríndus índica, that is, Indian tamarind. It is the only representative of the genus Tamarind, belonging to the legume family.

Title in other languages:

• lat. Tamarindus indica;
• English Tamarind;
• German Indian Dattei;
• fr. Tamarine.

The tamarind tree has a striking appearance.

Peculiarities:

• The trunk of the tree is thick and tall. According to some sources, it reaches a height of up to 25 meters. The heartwood is dense, dark red, and the sapwood is less durable, yellowish in color. In regions with a humid tropical climate, tamarind is an evergreen plant.
• Tamarind leaves are paripinnate and slightly pale green in color. Each of them consists of 10 to 40 thin leaves. Like mimosa leaves, they fold when touched and at night.
• Tamarind flowers are more often pink with five petals. There are also representatives with yellow flowers with red stripes. Flowers are collected in inflorescences
• Tamarind fruits are formed from racemose inflorescences and ripen from May to June. Fruits are formed in the form of pods, pointed at the end. The pods reach a length of about 20 cm and a width of 2-3 cm. They are painted brown. They have a fragile shell and reddish-brown flesh inside.
• Inside the pulp (pulp) of tamarind pods are up to 14 irregularly shaped seeds. They are hard smooth with a dark brown color.

The true homeland of tamarind is the eastern part of Africa, but several millennia BC it was brought to the tropical regions of Asia and began to be grown there. And in the 16th century it was introduced to North and South America. As a result, today tamarind grows wild only in Sudan, and is grown in tropical climates on all continents of the Earth.

As already noted, tamarind is a year-round green plant. However, it bears fruit only once a year. The ripening of the fruits of the Indian date falls on August-September.

The most correct signal for harvesting is the easy separation of the pods from the plant. Tamarind fruit pods, both in ripe and unripe form, are of particular value. Their pulp is added to dishes as a spice. Tamarind spices are especially popular in Indian cuisine.

Tamarind seasoning can be made in two ways:

1. In the first method, tamarind fruits are harvested, the pulp is separated from the skin and seeds. The remaining pulp is dried in natural conditions and used as a seasoning. Dried tamarind pulp has a sour taste. It is used in cooking and medicine. Store such tamarind under optimal storage conditions for no more than 3 years.
2. In the second method, the pulp is also separated from the skin, the seeds are taken out, and the pulp is broken or finely chopped. Boil 225 grams of this pulp with 250 ml of water for 10 minutes. The liquid is completely squeezed out of the cooled pulp. Then the pulp is thrown away, and the dishes are seasoned with liquid.

Tamarind trees and fruits have the following features:

1. Tamarind pulp has an unusual sweet and sour taste. It tastes like dried apricots, prunes and apple jam.
2. However, unripe, that is, green fruits are very acidic.
3. The consistency of the pulp resembles the consistency of dried fruits and toffee sweets.
4. Even the smell of Indian dates is sweet.

Tamarind Indian benefits as:

• bactericidal;
• anti-infectious;
• anti-inflammatory;
• laxative;
• immunostimulating agent.

The use of tamarind has a number of restrictions:

1. It can not be used by people with stomach and intestinal ulcers.
2. Prohibited for use by persons with diseases of the digestive gland.
3. Excessive consumption of Indian dates can lead to diarrhea.

Tamarind seeds are a breeding tool and a valuable product for the extraction of amber oil at the same time. Amber tamarind oil is essential, and is considered a valuable product in modern and folk medicine, and in addition in cosmetology.

1. This oil is a natural energizer, thanks to which it is able to strengthen the body's immune system. 100% oil, extracted by direct pressing from tamarind seeds, completely replaces the vitamin-mineral complex for the body. This will help maintain and maintain health for a long time.
2. It has astringent ability, thereby solving problems with the digestive system.
3. It has a relaxing and tonic character due to the aromatic oils contained in it. They are able to normalize blood pressure.
4. Pure oil can be used as an antipyretic and an effective antiseptic.
5. Tamarind oil acts as an antihelminthic drug.
6. With dysentery, the oil itself and roasted tamarind seeds help to get rid of tapeworms and roundworms.
7. In addition to the above qualities, Indian date oil is able to restore vision, eliminate barley and relieve rheumatic back pain.

1. The moisturizing quality of tamarind oil will come in very handy for the facial part of the skin. For best results, this valuable ingredient can be added to soaps, tonics, face lotions, creams, etc.
2. Has an antioxidant effect. Gives the face a healthy look. Cosmetic products containing natural Indian date oil guarantee regular care, hydration, and healing of your skin.
3. Protects against dehydration, thanks to its ability to restore the water-lipid barrier.
4. Makes skin elastic.
5. Tones and improves the color of tired skin.

Thus, tamarind oil is a very valuable product both in medicine and cooking, as well as in cosmetology. Combining all the data about this oil, you can make a short list of applications for this product in these three areas:

1. In its pure form for the purpose of care and nutrition of the skin of the face and body. At the same time, it must be remembered that in this case, it is necessary to peel (scrub) the skin at least once every 7 days. Since little quickly renews skin cells, they need to be eliminated from the skin. Otherwise, clogging of pores cannot be avoided. Moreover, natural oils are better absorbed and do not leave a greasy film if they are applied to the previously scrubbed, cleaned and moisturized surface.
2. For hair care, you can make a mask from oil. Just do not apply it to wet hair, as in this case, the hair can take on an ugly appearance as soon as it dries.A small amount of oil applied to dry, clean hair will add shine and shine to the hair, as well as eliminate the electricity of the hair.
3. This oil can be added to purchased skin care and protection products: various creams, lotions, masks, shampoos, balms, etc. this will enrich their composition and bring more benefits.
4. Homemade cosmetics can also be made from tamarind oil. Such products are often made on the basis of several types of oils. In this regard, it must be remembered that excessive application of essential oils can lead to skin irritation. Therefore, they must be made on the basis of base oil. In this form, they will bring great benefits and will not harm the skin. masks from oils very actively balance the skin, bringing it back to normal. Dry or oily skin becomes normal thanks to the regulation of sebum production.

In cooking, tamarind oil is used to flavor and enrich dishes and products:

• as fillings and dressings for salads;
• seasoning for dishes and sauces;
• squeeze out juices;
• as an additive in sweets and marinades.

In medical practice, it is taken orally for:

• recovery of the body;
• solving skin problems;
• used as an antiseptic.
• used against dandruff and fungus.
• it is able to smooth out cellulite, remove excess fluid and renew subcutaneous fat, which helps to smooth out wrinkles.

From the fruits of the Indian date, you can get a very useful and unique juice in its composition, which is made from the pulp of tamarind. To do this, soak its pulp in water for some time. Then they are passed through a fine sieve, the pulp is discarded, and the juice is consumed.

In the kitchen, the Indian date has long found its place as:

1. Pastry. Prepared by candied tamarind pulp. They produce sweets, ice cream, sherbet, jellies and jams.
2. Drink. Prepared from ripe fruits.
3. Snack. Also prepared from the ripe pulp of tamarind.
4. confectionery additive. Added in the manufacture of cookies, sweets and other pastries.
5. Spices. To soften the taste of spicy dishes, the pulp of green tamarind fruits is added - a paste.

The fruit of the tamarind tree is very popular in Indian cuisine. It is actively added to salads, when pickling seafood, in chutney sauce, and when preparing fish and rice dishes.

In the UK, tamarind is one of the most important ingredients in the world-famous Worcester or Worcestershire sauce.

Consider the recipes for preparing some dishes with the addition of tamarind fruits.

First you need to prepare tamarind sauce, for which you need to pour 15 ml of water with half a tablespoon of tamarind pulp.

After some time, squeeze out all the juice from the fruit. The pulp itself can be thrown away. After that, peel 200 grams of shrimp. Mix shrimp with tamarind juice, salt and a teaspoon of sugar. Put to marinate for a quarter of an hour.

Heat a frying pan with 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Thoroughly fry the marinated shrimp. Can be slightly overcooked. Then put on a plate and crush to the table.

• Heat clarified ghee (ghee) in a frying pan and put a teaspoon of ginger paste and two teaspoons of garlic-pepper paste.
• Fry for 2 minutes.
• Sprinkle the fried pasta with teaspoons of ground cumin and ground coriander.
• Chop 2 cans of tomatoes in their own juice.
• Place them in the skillet and add a tablespoon of tamarind paste.
• Cover the pan with a lid and keep for 5 minutes.
• Remove the speedo from the tile. Cool down.
• Transfer the entire mixture to a blender and blend.
• Boil half a liter of vegetable broth.
• Add stock to broth.
• Put 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, salt and one teaspoon of cane sugar.
• Cook for 3 minutes and then remove from heat.
• Pour the warm soup into soup bowls or broth bowls.
• Put a tablespoon of natural yogurt or curdled milk and serve.

Required Ingredients:

• Chicken breast fillet - 4 pieces.
• Tamarind paste - 2 tablespoons.
• Chili sauce - 2-3 tablespoons.
• Starch - 1 teaspoon.
• Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons.
• Slightly unripe mangoes or peaches - 3-4 pieces.
• Freshly grated ginger - 1 tablespoon.
• Garlic - 1 clove.
• Green onions - 3 feathers.
• Onions - 2 pieces.
• Chicken broth - 3 liters.
• Salt.

First you need to cut the chicken breasts into strips. Then mix them with tamarind paste and vegetable oil. After salting, refrigerate for 24 hours.

The next day, boil the chicken broth, take the bowl of chicken out of the refrigerator.

After the mixture reaches room temperature, add it to the stock pot. Add chili sauce, starch and some tamarind paste. Leave for a while.

Then take the chicken strips out of the mixture and place it on napkins or clean paper. Heat up a frying pan with oil. Cut the fruit into small pieces, flatten and chop the garlic. Cut green and regular onion. Fry garlic and ginger in a pan. Then put 1 cup of chopped fruit and onions.

Then add chicken strips, pour broth on top and sprinkle with starch. Salt a little. Bring to a thick, homogeneous mass while stirring. Serve with boiled rice sprinkled with green onions.

Fruits, oil and preparations based on tamarind are indispensable remedies for:

• disorders of the digestive system;
• arrhythmias;
• tachycardia;
• high blood pressure;
• violations of the liver;
• jaundice;
• helminthic diseases.

Useful substances of tamarind improve digestion. The components contained in them cleanse the intestines, retain fluid in it, making teas based on the fruit of the tamarind tree an excellent thirst-quenching drink. Quickly lowers blood pressure. Tamarind decoction normalizes the functioning of the liver, and 7-10 days is able to rid the body of worms. Also suitable for small children.

To cleanse the intestines, it is necessary to consume 30-50 grams of tamarind fruits with a large volume of liquid. After 3-4 hours, the intestines are completely cleared. This process cleanses the intestinal walls, and yet the beneficial components are absorbed by them. Therefore, this action can be repeated several times during the day.

How to brew this tea: Pour 50 grams of dry roots of a tamarind tree with 200 ml of boiling water. Cover and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. After the tincture is ready, drink 45-50 ml several times a day. Such a tincture reduces heat faster and for a longer time than known antipyretics.

Such tea also has an astringent effect, which allows food to stay in the body longer, thereby allowing it to absorb more nutrients.

How to prepare the infusion: pour 25-30 grams of dried and crushed tamarind flower petals into 200 ml of boiling water. Leave the tincture for 2 hours. Filter, cool and consume 25-30 ml 2-3 times a day. The effect can be felt after 3-5 minutes: blood pressure, heart rate normalize, shortness of breath and other adverse symptoms disappear.

Pour about 20-30 dried seeds of the tamarind tree into 300 ml of boiling water. Boil over high heat, then lower the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Cool and filter. Pour into a glass dish, cover and refrigerate. Drink 50 ml of decoction in case of constipation. The result usually occurs after 2-3 hours after taking the drug. You can keep in the refrigerator and drink no more than 30 days.

To remove worms from the body with the help of tamarind, 30-40 pieces of tamarind seeds are needed. The seeds must be fried in a hot frying pan without oil for 1-1.5 minutes, while stirring must be done. Pour onto a plate and set aside. Consume before meals or during. The effect can be felt in a week or a maximum of 10 days. In this case, the seeds should be taken regularly, 5-7 seeds 2-3 times a day.

Tamarind fruits, as well as tamarind medicines, can help in the weight loss process. This is achieved due to the following features of tamarind:

1. The hydroxycitric acid contained in the composition of tamarind fruits prevents enzymes from performing the function of accumulating nutrients “in reserve”.
2. The same acid is able to burn fat cells.
3. It helps reduce appetite, which leads to additional weight loss.
4. When the chemicals in tamarind are absorbed into the bloodstream, the body's serotonin levels increase and the desire to eat disappears.

As already noted, the fruits of Indian dates are widely used in cosmetology:

• They are added in the manufacture of cosmetics.
• Tamarind water is used in spas for wrapping.
• Housewives make various skin masks from the pulp of tamarind.

Tamarind propagates through seeds. He loves moisture and light, in view of which he needs to be planted in places under the sun and watered every day. Top dressing to carry out 1 time in 2-3 months.

The landing process is as follows:

• Prepare a light and shallow substrate. The seeds should germinate in a week.
• Remove the seeds from the pulp. Soak in water for 2 hours. Stick the seeds into the ground and sprinkle with earth about 1 cm. In order to speed up the growth of tamarind seeds, they can be covered and placed in a warm place. The temperature should be in the range of 20 to 25 C.
• It is necessary to ventilate daily for 10-15 minutes and moisten the ground with a sprayer.
• Seedlings appear after 3 weeks.

Tamarinds bloom, as a rule, after at least 6 years after planting the seeds.The best conditions for tamarind are fertile, slightly acidic soil, but in saline soil, tamarind will be able to survive and grow well.

In our climate, tamarind is grown at home.

Tamarind is the only representative of its kind, but it has several varieties. The most popular are:

• Tamarind - Makam (Makham) - Indian date.
• Tamarind - Pink Manila.
• The remaining varieties of this tree, which have a much sour taste, are widely cultivated in the tropical regions of Asian countries, South America and Africa.