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Tamarind Paste

Tamarind paste is a thick, sticky, and tangy concentrate derived from the ripe fruit pod of the tamarind tree (Tamarindus indica), native to Africa but extensively cultivated in Asia and Latin America. The paste is widely used in Asian, Middle Eastern, and Latin cuisines, imparting a distinct sweet-sour flavor to a variety of dishes, including sauces, marinades, chutneys, and beverages. Home cooks can make tamarind paste by soaking the fruit pod's pulp in warm water, followed by sieving out the seeds and fibers. Meanwhile, store-bought options provide convenience for those who want to incorporate tamarind paste into their cooking without the hassle of preparing it from scratch.
#113
IN SEASONINGS
288
CAL / 100G
$0.12
AVG / OZ
tamarind paste
96%
CARBS
0%
FAT
4%
PROTEIN
Tamarind Paste FAQ
Cooking with tamarind paste might seem intimidating if you're not used to its strong flavor but it can add a wonderfully complex sweet-sour taste to a range of dishes. One of the most common issues people face is not knowing how much to use. Tamarind paste is potent, so a little goes a long way! Start with a small amount and taste as you go. It's also important to note that the flavor of the paste can vary significantly between brands and even batches, so keep this in mind when adding it to recipes. While it might be tempting to throw tamarind paste into a dish near the end of its cooking time, it's better to add it in early. This will give it a chance to mellow and meld with the other ingredients. If you find the flavor too pronounced, you can balance it out by adding a sweetener or a bit of coconut milk. Not many know this but tamarind paste is also great in beverages! It pairs well with other fruit juices, and some bartenders even use it to make interesting twists on traditional cocktails. A little known tip is that it can also be used as a natural acidic cleaner for brass and copper utensils!
How to use tamarind paste in cooking?
What can I substitute for tamarind paste?
What is tamarind paste made of?
Is tamarind paste hot or spicy?
Is tamarind paste the same as tamarind concentrate?
Does tamarind paste contain sugar?
What can I do if I added too much tamarind paste in my dish?
What drinks can I make with tamarind paste?
Can I use tamarind paste in baking?
Is tamarind paste vegan?
Expiration & Storage Tips
When does tamarind paste expire?
Unopened tamarind paste can typically last for up to a year past its printed date when stored in a cool, dry place. Once you've opened the jar, the tamarind paste should be consumed within a month if stored at room temperature. But, if you refrigerate it after opening, it can last for about 6 months. If frozen, it can be stored indefinitely, however, for the best quality, use it within 12 months.
How do you tell if tamarind paste is bad?
When tamarind paste starts to spoil, it will begin to lose its vibrant, dark brown color and becomes a dull and lighter shade of brown. It might also form mold - an obvious sign of spoilage - look closely for white, blue, green spots and discard it immediately if you spot any. Another sign that your tamarind paste has gone off is an off-smelling odor, drastically different from the unique sweet-sour one that it's recognized for.
Tips for storing tamarind paste to extend shelf life
• Always remember to seal the jar tightly after each use. • Storing the paste in the fridge can significantly extend its freshness. If you plan on using it infrequently, consider dividing the paste into smaller portions and freeze them. That way, you can simply take out the amount you need and leave the rest frozen. • If you have homemade tamarind paste, always store it in an airtight container and refrigerate it. • Freezing tamarind paste is easy, just place it in an airtight container or a freezer bag and pop it into the freezer. When you need to use it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
EXPIRES WITHIN
3 - 4
MONTHS
Health Info
Macros
10g
CARBS
0g
FAT
0g
PROTEIN
Allowed on these diets
LOW FAT
HIGH CALCIUM
VEGETARIAN
KETO
PALEO
WHOLE 30
MEDITERRANEAN
LOW CARB
VEGAN
LACTOSE FREE
GLUTEN FREE
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