Tamarinds are spreading trees that create long , nourish bean- like pods . While the trees are rarely seen in Australian gardens , tamarind tree spread is becoming a popular addition to recipes , especially in dishes from India , the Middle East and Asia .
These trees spring up considerably in subtropic to tropical clime but tolerate drier and cooler conditions , especially near the coast .
Young plantings need security from hoar , though .
The species originated in tropical Africa and is now grown wide around the human beings ; it ’s naturalise in many areas , in particular throughout India .
It ’s also find oneself grow throughout the Pacific part and in subtropical zones of the US such as South Florida .
In areas where it ’s widely grown as a commercial-grade crop , there are list varieties available with high yields .
Tamarind Fact
uncouth name : TamarindBotanical name : Tamarindus indicaFamily : Fabaceae ( pea family)Aspect & soil : Full sun to light shade ; moist soilBest climate : AllHabit : Evergreen Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ( may be in short deciduous in dry climates)Propagation : Seed , cuttings , potted plantsDifficulty : Easy
SHELTER, FOOD AND MEDICINE
At 20–30 m high by 12 m all-encompassing , Tamarindus indica is an ideal shelter Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree for large gardens or paddocks . Its spreading habit leads little else to grow underneath , so it ’s a tree for large open spaces . The swag branches add wind instrument resistance , so it ’s a good choice for exposed condition .
It ’s also a very attractive tree diagram with ferny leaves and clusters of pink prime in summertime , follow by longsighted pods . It bloom best after a dry winter or spring time of year so is well suited to northern Australia .
As the pods ripen , they become filled with a thick , brown edible pulp . It can take almost a class to be ready to eat .
To harvest , nibble up dropped pods or shake , ping or cut them from the tree diagram , taking care not to damage the next crop .
Accessing tamarind paste is a very hands - on process . The dry pods need to be split unresolved by manus and the paste trump out , although the physical process is now becoming more mechanised for commercial-grade crops .
The pulp magazine is fresh when mature but is used to make a rancid tamarind spread that ’s tally to savory dishes such as pad Thai or added to sauce and chutneys .
It ’s also used to make fresh foods and drinkable such as tamarind ale . It is considered to be a highly nutritious intellectual nourishment containingcalcium , daystar , iron , thiamine and riboflavin . It ’s also a proficient seed of niacin .
Its medicinal usage are many and wide-ranging throughout the world , but it is widely used in tribe medicines to combat digestive problems , alleviate pyrexia and as a calmative . It ’s also tell to alleviate datura intoxication – we do n’t recommend that !
The leaves are also useful as stock fodder , especially for goats and cattle .
In some parts of India and West Africa , Tamarindus indica leaves , not mulberry leaf , are eat to silkworms . There ’s much research about uses for all role of the tamarind Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , from adding pulp to ice-skating rink - cream as a thickening to using the termite - resistant timber for building .
