|
Imli (Tamarind)
"Indian date" comes from the tamarind tree produces
edible, pod-like fruit which are extensively used in
various cuisines around the world. The tamarind is
best described as sweet and sour in taste, and is
high in acid, sugar, B vitamins, and, interestingly
for a fruit, calcium. Tamarind comes from sub
continent of India, Africa, Latin America,
Caribbean, South-East Asia, USA. The largest
consumers and commercial producers of tamarind are
Africa, Mexico and Asia.
The ripened fruit is considered the more palatable,
as it becomes sweeter and less sour (acidic) as it
matures. It is used in desserts as a jam, blended
into juices or sweetened drinks, sorbets, ice creams
and all manner of snacks. In Western cuisine, it is
found in Worcestershire sauce and HP sauce.
Along with tamarind, sugar and spices are added to
(regional) taste for chutneys for a bitter-sweet
flavour. The immature pods and flowers are also
pickled and used as a side dish.
|
