tamarind

Definition

A tropical tree (Tamarindus indica) whose seedpods contain a sour, acidic pulp used widely in Asian, African, and Latin American cooking as a flavoring and souring agent.

Example Usage

The chef added tamarind paste to the curry to give it a tangy, complex flavor.

Origin

From Arabic tamar hindi, meaning 'Indian date,' referring to the date-like appearance of the fruit.

Fun Fact

Tamarind is used not only in cooking but also in traditional Ayurvedic medicine and as an ingredient in some laxative preparations.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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