23. Tamarind 



Tamarindus indica 



The russet brown pods of the tamarind are filled with a 

 slightly sour pulp of good flavor that may be eaten from the pod. 

 Most often the pulp is used to prepare a cooling drink like 

 lemonade, or for flavoring ice cream and sherbet. This tall 

 handsome tree with small red-veined yellow flowers is commonly 

 planted in the lowlands of the Caribbean area, and also often 

 grows wild. The young leaves and flowers may be cooked and 

 eaten as greens. The pods are produced in great abundance. 

 This tree was brought to America from the East Indies. It is 

 also called tamarindo. 



