Tamarind, Tart (Tamarindus indica)

Another one of our absolute favorite fruits!  Tamarind is adapted to a wide range of growing conditions and grows exceedingly well and effortlessly in Florida, especially in the south.  Tamarind is an evergreen member of the legume family with feathery, pinnate leaves, red and yellow flowers, and long, bumpy seed pods that ripen from April through June. The sweet-sour pulp surrounding the seeds is used in cooking, traditional medicines, and as a metal polish for copper and bronze. Tamarind is native to tropical Africa and is prized in the cuisines of the Caribbean, India, Mexico, and Central America, and tropical and subtropical areas around the world. The seeds and leaves are edible, and the pulp surrounding the seeds can either be eaten raw or used in chutneys, candies, marinades, sauces, and drinks. In addition, Tamarind is a flavoring ingredient in Worcestershire sauce. Its uses in traditional medicines are for treating fever, malaria, and digestive issues. The bark and leaves have