Tamarinds

Tamarinds are the fruit of the tamarind tree, native to tropical Africa. The fruit is a pod containing a sticky, brown pulp around several seeds. The pulp is often processed into a concentrate or paste.

Tamarind pulp is used as a flavoring agent, adding a sweet and sour taste to foods. It is commonly found in sauces, chutneys, candies, and beverages, particularly in Asian and Latin American cuisines.

Tamarind is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food ingredient. It is a source of vitamin C and antioxidants. JECFA has evaluated tamarind and found no safety concerns at typical consumption levels. Evidence does not suggest adverse health effects from consuming tamarind in typical food amounts.