Tamarind is the pod-like fruit of the tamarind tree. There are two varieties of tamarind: tart and sour-sweet. Fresh tart tamarind is eaten with salt and chili, or chopped into chili paste. The pulp of tart tamarind is often added to soups, curries, sauces, and stir-fries. Sour-sweet tamarind is mostly used in making desserts and candy. Its flavor can be described as a cross between a date, sour-sweet guava, and an apricot. Tamarind concentrate or paste is available in jars, bottles, and solid blocks. Tamarind concentrate is mixed with water to create tamarind water. A substitute for tamarind concentrate or paste is date purée mixed with lime juice or combine equal parts vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar.
