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[Facts] Re: Tamarind?
in reply to a message by Emily
Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) is a pretty tree grown or used for its fruit (also called tamarind), the pulp of which has a pleasing sweet/sour flavor that can be used fresh, dried or preserved. It is native to tropical Africa, but was introduced to India so long ago that it is sometimes reported to be native. It is now widely cultivated in Mexico and can also be found in parts of California.You can very occasionally find tamarinds in the 'exotic' produce area of grocery stores, but it is pretty easy to find tamarind paste.
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Hi!
The origin of the tree-name is Arabic.Regards, Satu
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Oh, I had to pull out my notes for this one...The genus Tamarindus is the botanical transformation of the Arabic tamr-Hindi meaning 'date of India (Hindoostan)' and indica is one of several botanical specific epithets meaning 'of or from India'. I wonder what names it goes by in its native Africa?
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Thanks to everyone who replied to my message asking about the name Tamarind, i really appreciate it!
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