Tamarind

Name	Tamarind
Peak season	December-March
Uses	drinks
Vegetation	tree
Scientific Name	Tamarindos indica
Spanish Name	tamarindo

The tamarind tree is a large tree that is native to Africa that can reach up to 20 meters in height. After the tree was introduced in Latin America, it became popular for its durable wood and the shade that it can provide.

Tamarind fruit grows in oddly shaped, brown pods (with a length of up to 12 centimeters) that hold a soft substance and hard seeds. To use tamarind for consumption, the seeds and the soft substance are used to create a thick, brown mass that is packed in a plastic wrap. This is then combined with water to create tamarind juice. This juice has a strong taste and it is said to be good for cleaning the digestive system.

Tamarind trees start producing seed pods after about 6 years. They flower from May until June, which can extend until August. The pods finish growing between December and March.