There is a Buddhist parable about the tamarind tree in which its seeds are said to be symbols of faithfulness and forbearance. While the story doesn’t say much about the tamarind as food, it does illuminate a little bit about the history of this venerable plant and its incredible sweet and sour fruit. Originating in Africa, the tamarind tree spread all over the world and was widely known in Buddha’s time. In the early 1600s, the tree and its delicious fruit were introduced to the Western Hemisphere, specifically, Mexico and the Caribbean. This widespread importation and trade of the tamarind over so many years is a testament to both its usefulness and its possibilities for today’s chefs.

Tamarind (also known as Tamarindus indica) is a medium-growth hardwood tree. It has green feather-shaped leaves, long fruits with hard pods, and brown skin. Tamarind is native to Africa and grows in many other tropical areas, such as India, Thailand, and Pakistan. It is used in many cuisines around the world and can even have medicinal properties.

The pods contain a soft and fleshy pulp  with large seeds. While the young fruit has a green pulp, the ripe one has a dark-brown pulp with a texture similar to dates.

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This post covers everything you need to know about tamarind and how to cook with it! This popular condiment is used all around the world, from Mexico to Thailand, and India, to prepare chutneys, soups, drinks, and more. Learn all about it here!

Green Paradise® dwarf sweet tamarind Tamarindus indica 1 Healthy live plant seedling : Amazon.in: Garden & Outdoors

Tamarind Tree in a 3 Gallon Container. The tamarind is a graceful stately tree commonly found in the south Florida landscape and growing wild along Central American roadsides. The fruit hang in clusters peapod like legumes typically six to eight inches long. The fruit is eaten fresh, in candies, and in sauces. In fact, it is one of the primary ingredients of Worcestershire, as well as numerous other jerk and barbeque sauces. Makes a great stately shade tree.

Tamarind Tree in a 3 Gallon Container. The tamarind is a graceful stately tree commonly found in the south Florida landscape and growing wild along Central American roadsides. The fruit hang in clusters peapod like legumes typically six to eight inches long. The fruit is eaten fresh, in candies, and in sauces. In fact, it is one of the primary ingredients of Worcestershire, as well as numerous other jerk and barbeque sauces. Makes a great stately shade tree.

“Baffling” New Species of Snake Discovered in Myanmar

The Ayeyarwady pit viper, a new species discovered in Myanmar by Dr. Chan Kin Onn, illustrates the complexities of species differentiation in pit vipers. This species, which displays traits of both the redtail and mangrove pit vipers, was initially thought to be a hybrid but was confirmed as distinct through genomic analysis. Credit: Wolfgang Wüster

Growing in Phoenix: Pineapple is a lovely novelty plant that is best grown in a container. They are slow-growing and quite ornamental. Grow in a filtered sun location and amend soils to maintain an acidic pH.  Protect when below 40℉.

Compared to other tropical fruits, pineapples are a real nutritional miracle. They are refreshing, sweet-yet-sour, and juicy to boot. Read on to learn everything there is to know about the benefits of the fruit and its side effects too. In addition, we’ve put together some valuable tips to help you when buying, storing and preparing pineapple.

Pineapple, the food that eats you back | by Kevin L. Knights ...
Tipping the scale at a whopping 22 pounds, this "Gentle Giant" is known as a universal rabbit (used for meat, show, coat, pet). It's not uncommon to see a Flemish Giant playing with dogs and even cuddling with them if they live together. Children of any age are encouraged to pet them, but not attempt to carry them due to their size.