Can You Eat Tamarind Seeds?

Can you eat tamarind seeds?

By Dr Anny Manrich (PhD)

Page last updated: 02/04/2023 | Next review date: 02/04/2025

Author bio

Dr Anny March PhD is a food Engineer with expertise in Food Technology, Natural Polymers, Edible Films, Enzymes, and Nanotechnology.

Dr Anny Manrich’s Highlights:

Research and Technology at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation

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Dr Anny Manrich (PhD)

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In this article, we will answer the question “Can you eat tamarind seeds?” and discuss its benefits?

Yes, you can eat tamarind seeds. Medicinal and culinary uses abound for this versatile ingredient. Diarrhea, constipation, fever were all treated with the tamarind pulp as a beverage, while peptic ulcer may be healed with the use of the seed´s extract. Wound healing was aided by the bark and leaves of the tree. The protective effect of T. indica seed comes from its polyphenolic compounds, mainly procyanidin, epicatechin and polymeric tannins. These compounds have an antioxidant effect and protective role against free radicals. This plant is now being researched for its potential medical properties by modern scientists.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of polyphenols in tamarind may be attributed to this fruit. Cardiovascular, cancer and diabetes are just a few of the ailments that they may help to prevent with their use.

Pulp extract, on the other hand, may help you lose weight and rule out fatty liver disease by lowering your blood sugar levels (2).

Tamarindus indica L. is one of the indigenous fruit tree species that traditionally contributes to food security and ecosystem stability in sub-Saharan Africa. A study made in Eastern Uganda revealed that 53% of those who were growing tamarind did not add fertilizer or carry out any silvicultural practices regarding cultivation of the fruit (1).

Tamarind seeds provide a number of health advantages.

It is good for your teeth.

If you are a heavy smoker, it is stated that rubbing tamarind seed powder on your gums and teeth may have positive results. Tartar and plaque may build up on your teeth if you drink a lot of soda or smoke cigarettes, but tamarind seeds can help (3).

Aids in the process of digesting

Indigestion and bile production has long been associated with the use of tamarind seed juice. Additionally, it is high in dietary fiber, which lowers cholesterol even more. In addition to aiding in weight loss, dietary fiber also aids digestion (3).

Prevents the spread of disease.

When it comes to protecting your skin from illness, tamarind seeds are an excellent choice. As a bonus, it may help you avoid gastrointestinal and urinary tract infections (3).

Maintaining a healthy blood sugar level

When the pancreas is protected by tamarind seeds, insulin-producing cells grow. Tea made from the seeds of the tamarind tree may help control blood sugar naturally (3).

Suitable for the heart

It contains dietary fat rich in linoleic acid, which apart from preventing cardiovascular disorders such as coronary heart diseases and atherosclerosis, is also associated with preventing high blood pressure (3).

Tamarind Seeds’ Purposes

Tart, juicy seeds may be found in the flat pods of tamarind trees in India and tropical Africa. Many Asian and African foods include tamarind seeds, although Indian cuisine is the most prevalent. Adding tamarind seeds to your diet will give you a taste of their sweet and sour flavor as well as nutritional benefits such as digestion-soothing characteristics.

Whole tamarind seed and seed kernel are rich sources of protein. Fat or oil comprises 4.5-16.2% of total composition. Crude fiber percentage is very less in whole seed while the seed coat is rich in fiber (20%) and tannins (20%). Remaining 50 to 57% is carbohydrate (3).

Toasted

The roasted tamarind seeds are popular with many people. Remove the tamarind pod’s shell and consume the pulp uncooked if you choose. Toss the seeds in a skillet and cook them for five minutes on medium heat.

To achieve consistent roasting, shake the pan a few times. When the seeds have cooled, split open the outer shell with your teeth and remove the seed with your hands. There is a good chance you will have to chew and suck on the seeds before you can eat them. The seeds of tamarind are claimed to assist in digestion by chewing on them.

Sauces containing meat

Many sauces used to marinate meat in southern India are based on tamarind seed paste. After purchasing cakes of dried tamarind from Asian spice stores, soak the blocks for around 20 minutes to soften the pulp.

Remove the hard seeds and pulp fibers by straining the water. To amp up the taste, add vinegar or more spices to the tamarind marinade. Meats may be marinated in the marinade and then simmered in the marinade until the meat is fork-tender.

Cooking with Lentils

A cornerstone of Indian cuisine, lentils are often the highlight of vegetarian meals in India. Tamarind water may be used to enhance the taste of lentil recipes. Bring water to a boil after draining tamarind pulp and seeds from the water after soaking tamarind blocks in warm water. Allow the lentils to cook until they are soft.

To avoid the beans from adhering to the pot, you may need to add extra water to the tamarind base if required. Adding lentils to spicy foods and salty bread will result in a sweet taste that goes well with them.

Bread

Adding tamarind to flatbreads gives them a tangy flavor. Tamarind seeds are ground into fine flour by certain chefs and used as the main component in bread. Tamarind pulp and seeds are used to make tamarind juice for bread made with rice and wheat flour.

Tamarind seed flour is very useful in making jam, jellies, and marmalades. It is commercially available as a food additive for improving the viscosity and texture of processed foods. It improves the crispness and thickness of biscuits. Tamarind flour is added in wheat flour to make chapatis and also added in cake (3).

Sweet fruit bread may be flavored with tamarind seed pulp, which can be added to the bread dough in the same way that dates or raisins could be used. Tamarind bread may be served with any Indian meal from the southern region.

To learn more about eating tamarind seeds click here