From The Food Encyclopedia by Jacques Rolland and Carol Sherman
Also Indian date. An acidic fruit that grows in pods on a tropical evergreen, Tamarindus indica. Tamarind is best known as a souring agent in curries and a very refreshing bottled beverage sold almost everywhere in the world. One of the most delectable sherbets is made from tamarind, and it imbues cakes and pastries with an unforgettably delicious taste. The tree, which can grow to well over 80 feet (24 m) tall, is one of the world's most beautiful, with red-streaked, yellow flowers. It probably originated in East Africa, but has grown in Sri Lanka and India since prehistoric times.
