Travel Photo Of The Day: Tamarind

Recognized by its long, bean-like shape, tamarind is the tart fruit of the tamarind tree that is most often "used as a spice and souring agent."

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The inside of a tamarind pod contains seeds and pulp. The latter is oftentimes pressed to make a paste and is known to have a sour and date-like taste.

Although it's sometimes called an "Indian date," tamarind is actually considered to be native to tropical regions of Africa. The ingredient is an important component of Worcestershire sauce, as well as a key seasoning for several rice, fish, and meat dishes in India. Fully grown, but unripe, tamarinds are also sometimes roasted on coals and dipped in wood ashes in the Bahamas. The ripe and raw fruit is also a popular snack.

Looking for a tamarind recipe? Check out ours for tamarind and sumac lamb ribs.

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