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Tamarind
The tamarind tree grows to a height of over 20 metres. It has a
long straight trunk with dark brown bark. The branches are
strong and supple and droop downwards. The tiny leaves are of
a fresh green colour and form graceful, feathery foliage. They
are also sour like the tamarind and are nice to eat.
The tamarind has beautiful yellow flowers with thin streaks of
red. When the flower dries up, its place is taken by a tamarind
pod. The pod is green and gradually turns a light brown as it
ripens. It is like suede to touch.
When it ripens in winter, it becomes a deep brown and the pulp
inside is sour with a hint of sweetness. Tamarind seeds are dark
brown and enclosed inside the pulp. Squirrels and birds love to
eat ripe tamarind. Children also love raw tamarind dipped in
rock salt, though it can give them a sore throat sometimes.
Tamarind is used to make delicious curries, pickles, chutneys and
tangy jal jeera, which is not only cooling in Summer, but also
delicious with gol gappas.
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