The tamarind ( Tamarindus indica L. ) is a fruit tree native to Africa , with hard wood . If you look at the wonderful world of Cuban fruit trees, the tamarind quickly catches your attention, as it is strong, superb and slender like no other, and can grow to over 20 m in height. Its trunk is very wide and robust, and its dark bark cracks over the years.
Description
Hardwood tree, up to 20 m tall. Compound leaves up to 12 cm long, formed by 10-20 pairs of relatively small leaflets (12-20 mm). Small flowers in clusters shorter than leaves; stamens longer than flowers. Legume fruit 5-15 cm long, with a pulpy, acidic mesocarp, partitioned between seeds, about 1 cm long.
It is a leafy tree of the caesalpiniaceae, whose elegant and refined foliage looks like a peculiar lace. The pods or legumes are like divine earrings, to give us one of the best Cuban fruits and although it may seem incredible, it is the sweetest of all because it has a high percentage of sugars (according to [Cárdenas and Moreno), and at the same time it is the most acidic.
The taste of tartaric acid masks the sweetness of the fruit, but its abundance gives it the property of being an excellent laxative and gives the tamarind pulp a peculiar and unmistakable flavor. Tamarind has a large amount of minerals , such as calcium and phosphorus , and some vitamins such as B.
Thanks to its majestic appearance, the tamarind has been used in Cuban fields as a windbreak. When planted together to protect citrus plantations in most cases, they form a beautiful and spectacular rural landscape.
Phenology
In the northern hemisphere it flowers from April to May and the fruits are suitable for consumption from the end of August until winter .
Origin
Apparently native to Ethiopia and other regions of Central Africa . Currently cultivated throughout the tropical world.
Location
Sparsely cultivated on a production scale; frequently used in windbreaks to protect other crops. Occasionally cultivated in rural and urban areas.
Crop
Tamarind Fruit]]It prefers deep alluvial soils and tolerates dryness well. Direct sowing in plastic bags or other containers is recommended. Transplant after one year using distances of 2.5×2.5 or 3×3 m.
Method of collection
Harvest ripe fruit for fresh consumption. To preserve it, mix the pulp with refined sugar . Store in a cool place and avoid contact with copper objects.
Other uses
The fruits are edible naturally or in soft drinks or other preparations. They are used as a component in the preparation of Worcestershire sauce and other sauces and dressings. The flowers are nectariferous and give abundant, good-quality honey ; they provide a yellow dye. The wood gives excellent quality charcoal. The leaf litter has a high fodder value.
