Tamarind

India exports tamarind (Tamarindus indica), mainly as seedless slabs, pods, or paste, valued for its sour pulp in culinary and industrial uses.

Key Commercial Varieties & Trade Names

  • PKM-1 (Prathisthan), Bangalore & Tumkur Types: High-yielding, thick-pulp, premium-quality pods.

  • Hosur & Krishnagiri, Natham & Nagarkoil Types: Sour, tangy flavor, consistent quality for industrial and culinary use.

  • Seedless Tamarind Slabs/Blocks: High pulp content, convenient for processing.

  • De-fibered/Processed Tamarind & Tamarind Paste: Fiber/seed removed forms, ready for food and retail applications.

Category:

Tamarind is a widely used spice obtained from the dried fruit pulp of Tamarindus indica. It delivers a tangy, slightly sweet, and sour flavor along with a rich, fruity aroma. Therefore, tamarind plays an essential role in cuisines worldwide, especially in Indian, Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern, and Latin American cooking. Moreover, it enhances chutneys, sauces, soups, curries, beverages, and ready-to-use seasoning mixes, providing a distinct sour-sweet balance.

Careful cleaning and controlled drying preserve the natural tartness, aroma, and quality of tamarind. As a result, the spice maintains uniform texture, fresh fragrance, and consistent flavor. Additionally, proper processing ensures reliable performance in both culinary and industrial applications. Chefs and food manufacturers, consequently, rely on whole or processed tamarind to add vibrant flavor and tang to dishes and ready-to-use spice formulations.

Whole tamarind offers versatile usage. For instance, cooks may soak, grind, or extract the pulp to release maximum flavor, while manufacturers may include it in spice blends, sauces, and beverages for consistent taste. Furthermore, tamarind pairs effectively with chili, cumin, coriander, and jaggery, thereby enhancing the overall flavor profile of dishes. Meanwhile, its stable sour-sweet taste makes it suitable for long-term storage, bulk handling, and international trade.

When stored under optimal conditions, tamarind retains its tangy flavor, aroma, and quality for extended periods. Therefore, it remains ideal for large-scale supply, long-distance transportation, and export. Food processors, as a result, frequently include tamarind in chutneys, sauces, ready-to-use spice mixes, and beverages. Ultimately, tamarind remains an indispensable ingredient for professional kitchens and food processing units due to its tangy flavor, rich aroma, and consistent performance.

HSN Code: 081340
Botanical Name: Tamarindus indica

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