tamarindus indica

Ma Kham, There are many varieties of this plant which grows as large and beautiful trees with sprays of frond like leaves. The large brown seed pods contain a number of large seeds surrounded by pulp. The seed pods can be bought in markets and supermarkets. The outer brown furry casing can be broken away to reveal the flesh which can be eaten as a snack. Be careful as the black seeds are very hard on teeth. Tamarind is used in cooking to add a fruity bitterness. Tamarind flesh is used also as a candy and can be found covered in sugar and also chilli, salt and sugar. It can be quite a refreshing pickmeup snack on hot days.