What is "tamarind"?

Tamarind is a tangy and flavorful fruit that is widely used in cuisines around the world. It is native to Africa but is now cultivated in tropical regions across Asia, including India, Thailand, and Malaysia. Tamarind has a brown, pod-like appearance, and inside, it contains a pulp that is both sweet and sour. This pulp is commonly used as a condiment, flavoring agent, or base for various dishes and beverages. Tamarind is also available in paste or concentrate form. You can find tamarind in grocery stores, spice markets, and Asian food stores, where it is often sold as whole pods, pulp, or processed products like sauces and chutneys.