Tamarind

Nutrition Information

1 serving = 100 g

• Very high in magnesium (37% Recommended Daily Intake per serving)
• Source of phosphorus (10% Recommended Daily Intake per serving)
• Source of Vitamin C (6% Recommended Daily Intake per serving)
•  Very high in potassium (628 mg per serving)

Look For

The bean-shaped thick pod in which the sticky pulp or fruit of the tamarind grows. The pods can vary in size from two to seven inches in length, and one inch in width.

To Store

Store whole pods in a cool, dark place at room temperature.  After opening, store pods tightly wrapped or capped in the refrigerator, it will stay good for at least three months. Simply cut off the amount you want to use with a sharp, heavy knife. Well wrapped, frozen, unsweetened tamarind pulp keeps indefinitely in the freezer.

To Prepare

You must extract the tamarind fruit from the pod before you can eat it. Shell the brittle pod of a ripe tamarind. Use your fingers to crack the cinnamon-brown coloured shell which encases the pod. Discard the veins or coarse strands of fiber that extend lengthwise along the pod.