Bhima pushed against one species of each tree to test its might. Medicinal Disclaimer: It is the policy of The Herb Society of America, Inc. not to advise or recommend herbs for medicinal or health use. A mature tree may be capable of producing up to 175 kg (386 lb) of fruit per year. The fatty acid composition of the oil is linoleic 46.5%, oleic 27.2%, In Nyasaland, tamarind bark is soaked with corn and fed to livestock as a way of guaranteeing their return if they are lost or stolen. It is native to tropical Africa and is in the Fabaceae family. ‘I appoint Banyan the Minister!’ said Brahma and this time laid bare his rationale. [14], In the United States, it is a large-scale crop introduced for commercial use (second in net production quantity only to India), mainly in southern states, notably south Florida, and as a shade tree, along roadsides, in dooryards and in parks. In parts of Southeast Asia, tamarind is called asam. She is a member of The Society’s Texas Thyme Unit in Huntsville, TX. [27] It is cultivated all over India, especially in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. In the Caribbean, tamarind is sometimes called tamón. According to nutritionists, the adequate intake (AI) of 10 gm of tamarind per day is the recommended daily intake level of … San Pablo, a picturesque and progressive city in Southeastern Luzon, is sometimes known as the City of the Seven Lakes. The trees swayed their branches in agreement. ‘So, what is the problem?’. [14], As a tropical species, it is frost-sensitive. The fruit of this tree symbolizes the wife of Brahma the creator. Some of these are prepared by heating tamarind to reduce its volume, but one of the side effects is … Photo Credits: 1) Tamarindus indica (JIRCAS); 2) Tamarind-based beverages; 3) Tamarind-based confections; 4) Tamarind seed pods; 5) Lea & Perrins® Worcestershire sauce (Photos 2 – 5, courtesy of the author). Accessed 10/18/20. It was the Arabs who named the tamarind, calling it “tamara hindi” or Indian date. ‘I will try pushing the trees one by one,’ Bhima suggested. mrnightmare.net 51 • 2 hours ago (Edited) The Ink Well Community 6 min read 1101 words. The fruit pods are long-lasting and can be found in some grocery stores, especially those serving Hispanic, Indian, and Southeast Asian populations. An infusion of the roots has been used to treat chest complaints and leprosy. There are many more uses of the seeds that are too numerous to list. Tamarind paste has many culinary uses including a flavoring for chutnies, curries, and the traditional sharbat syrup drink. ‘But who ought to be made king? The sourness varies between cultivars and some sweet tamarind ones have almost no acidity when ripe. Due to its density and interlocked grain, tamarind is considered difficult to work. The heartwood is able to take a high natural polish. Tamarind kernel powder is used as sizing material for textile and jute processing, and in the manufacture of industrial gums and adhesives. [9] Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) is sometimes confused with "Manila tamarind" (Pithecellobium dulce). You could make chutneys, stews, sauces, and even desserts with it.

They brought a pot, galvanised iron, spoon and anything that could make a disturbing sound. asked the trees in unison. And how do we select a government?’ the tree asked. Jan. 2017. Accessed 10/18/20. The fruit is used in Indian cuisines in curries, chutneys, meat sauces, and in a pickle dish called tamarind fish. The trees thought that was a splendid idea and encouraged Bhima to begin his selection process immediately. In some Asian countries, it is believed that evil spirits inhabit the tamarind tree and building a house where it grows should be avoided.

Tamarind tree. Tamarind pulp is a key ingredient in flavoring curries and rice in south Indian cuisine, in the Chigali lollipop, and in certain varieties of Masala Chai tea. [8] In the Philippines, it is called sampalok or sampaloc in Filipino, and sambag in Cebuano. Its pinnate leaves close up at night. Available from https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-819/tamarind. Some African tribes believe that the tree is sacred, and some Indians believe that one should not sleep under one because of the acid it “exhales” during the night. ‘Whenever the wind blows or a storm approaches, the Peepal shall stand guard and alert the others!’ Satisfied that they too now had an able government in place, the trees thanked Lord Brahma and Bhima for their able assistance. The name derives from Arabic: تمر هندي‎, romanized tamar hindi, "Indian date". This is one of the many legends and myths associated with the Peepal Tree. and saturated fatty acids 26.4%. [20] As the fruit matures it becomes sweeter and less sour (acidic) and the ripened fruit is considered more palatable.

‘I wonder what is going on here!’ he remarked before drawing himself closer to take a look. The Murias are a tribe from the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh. [15], The tamarind flowers (although inconspicuously), with red and yellow elongated flowers. Tamarindus indica is probably indigenous to tropical Africa,[10] but has been cultivated for so long on the Indian subcontinent that it is sometimes reported to be indigenous there. Tamarind is also sold as a liquid concentrate. The mighty Bhima was passing through the jungle at Hemagiri one day when he heard a commotion. [16], The fruit is an indehiscent legume, sometimes called a pod, 12 to 15 cm (4 1⁄2 to 6 in) in length, with a hard, brown shell. A mature tree can produce up to 350-500 pounds of fruit each year. The pinnate leaves with opposite leaflets give a billowing effect in the wind.

According to Purdue’s Horticulture and Landscape Architecture Department (https://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/tamarind.html), “Tamarind preparations are universally recognized as refrigerants in fevers and as laxatives and carminatives.” The ground-up seeds have been used as a poultice for boils, while the boiled leaves and flowers were used as poultices for sprains and swollen joints. The trees were puzzled and didn’t understand why Brahma had selected the Tamarind. The pulp is also used in traditional medicine and as a metal polish. Available from https://www.world-foodhistory.com/2011/07/history-of-tamarind.html. Tamarind was mentioned in ancient Indian scriptures as early as 1200 BCE. With its vast network of aerial roots, the Banyan can obtain information from every nook and corner of the earth.

Thailand has the largest plantations of the ASEAN nations, followed by Indonesia, Myanmar, and the Philippines. She gardens among the pines in the Piney Woods of East Texas. However, Maude Grieve, in her 1931 book. Commonly used as a bonsai species in many Asian countries, it is also grown as an indoor bonsai in temperate parts of the world.

The tree grows well in full sun. A Buddhist parable about tamarind seeds says that they are the symbol of faithfulness and forbearance. 13. Lord Brahma considered the problem and came up with a unique solution. Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) is a leguminous tree (family Fabaceae) bearing edible fruit that is indigenous to tropical Africa. The seeds are somewhat flattened, and a glossy brown. ‘Tell me the problem,’ said Bhima. It reached South Asia likely through human transportation and cultivation several thousand years ago. Tamarind heartwood is reddish brown, sometimes with a purplish hue. The trees agreed and sent word to the Creator beseeching him to solve the puzzle. Journal of Ethnobiology & Ethnomedicine.

From giving relief to constipation to keeping your liver and heart safe from diseases, tamarind has several uses. A previous study reported that the seed, leaf, leaf veins, fruit pulp and skin extracts of tamarind possessed high phenolic content and antioxidant activities. Tamarind turns, glues, and finishes well. This is one of the many legends and myths associated with the Peepal Tree. Veneer grafting, shield (T or inverted T) budding, and air layering may be used to propagate desirable cultivars. This story comes from a Muria tribal legend. ‘It’s a long story Bhima!’ said one of the trees. A tamarind tree was planted in Hawaii in 1797. Plant Finder. Accessed 10/16/20. The fruit is best described as sweet and sour in taste, and is high in tartaric acid, sugar, B vitamins, and, unusually for a fruit, calcium. [24][25] In the Philippines, the whole fruit is used as an ingredient in the traditional dish called sinigang to add a unique sour taste, unlike that of dishes that use vinegar instead. The branches of the tamarind are used as walking sticks. Accessed 10/16/20. It has also been used to treat sunstroke, Datura poisoning, and alcohol intoxication. [28], A traditional food plant in Africa, tamarind has the potential to improve nutrition, boost food security, foster rural development and support sustainable landcare. History of tamarind. Although this is very useful to neutralize the mouth acid, but the excessive amount of this can also damage our teeth as well. The fruit pulp is edible. ‘What now?’ cried the trees. Accessed 10/16/20. ‘But how?

The seeds are ground to make flour, or roasted and used as a coffee substitute or as an addition to coffee.

[14], The fruit is harvested by pulling the pod from its stalk. In East Timor it is also called sukaer. In Arabia, it is found growing wild in Oman, especially Dhofar, where it grows on the sea-facing slopes of mountains. Today, India is the largest producer of tamarind. Tamarind, Tamarindus indica. Vol. Some even believe that nothing will grow under a tamarind tree.