Definition
Tamarind is a tropical pod fruit with sticky, sweet-sour pulp, used in Mexican candy, Thai and Indian cooking, and in chili-dusted snacks.
Tamarind is the fruit of the tamarind tree (Tamarindus indica), a brown, bean-like pod filled with sticky pulp that tastes both sweet and sour. The tree is native to tropical Africa and has been grown for centuries across South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean and Latin America.
What tamarind tastes like
The pulp has a tart, tangy flavor similar to a cross between dates, lemon and dried apricot. Younger pods are very sour; riper ones turn sweeter and more caramel-like. That natural sweet-sour balance makes it popular in both savory cooking and candy.
How it is used around the world
- Mexico: agua de tamarindo drinks and tamarind candies, often rolled in sugar and chili.
- Thailand: a key sour element in pad thai and many curries and sauces.
- India: the tang behind chutneys, sambar and rasam.
- Elsewhere: it is a traditional ingredient in Worcestershire-style sauces.
Tamarind and chili
In Mexican snack culture, tamarind is almost always paired with chili and salt. The heat and salt sharpen the fruit's tang, creating the sweet-sour-spicy profile also found in chamoy. Many tamarind sweets are sold as soft paste, straws or chewy candies.
Tamarind at Polkadot
The Polkadot Chamoy Tamarind Craft Gummies combine tamarind fruit juice with a chili kick in a vegan, pectin-set gummy. They are one of the boldest flavors in the Craft Gummies line and a natural match for fans of Mexican candy. For a sweeter take on the same idea, try the Chamoy Mango gummies.
Tasting tip
Tamarind's tang builds as you chew, so take your time with it. If you love the pucker, the sour gummies such as Sour Apple and Sour Cherry Limeade are good next picks.
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