Amit Shah Praises Bastar's Sweet Tamarind
When it comes to summer fruits, watermelon, mangoes, muskmelon, and litchi often take the spotlight. However, there are many underrated summer fruits that offer healing properties during scorching heat. Recently, Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised one such summer delight. During a visit to the newly launched Shaheed Veer Gundadhur Jan Suvidha Kendra in Bastar, Shah paused amid discussions on security, welfare, and governance to taste locally processed tamarind at a self-help group in Netanar. With a smile, he declared that Bastar's imli was "not sour, but sweet." According to a Times of India report, at the tamarind processing centre run by women's self-help groups, Shah interacted with tribal women undergoing training in pulp production and inquired about their income and work process.
What Does Science Say About Tamarind?
A published study on PMC highlights tamarind's effects in reducing oxidative stress, enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity, improving lipid and carbohydrate profiles, and modulating gene and protein expression related to cholesterol metabolism and immune responses. The leaves of the tamarind plant are also consumed as part of the daily diet in several countries, especially during drought seasons. Tamarind is rich in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. It also improves heart health, offers liver protection, and is known for its antimicrobial and anti-diabetic effects.
Ayurvedic Perspective on Tamarind
According to Ayurveda, tamarind should be consumed in moderation due to its sour and heating qualities. It is said to stimulate digestion and add flavour to drinks and meals, but excessive intake is believed to aggravate pitta dosha, which is naturally elevated during hot weather. Ayurvedic practices recommend balancing tamarind with cooling ingredients such as mint, jaggery, cumin, coriander, or water-rich foods.
Health Benefits of Tamarind
Good for Digestion
Tamarind fruit is rich in dietary fibre and natural organic acids that may help stimulate digestion and support smoother bowel movements. It has been valued for centuries for its digestive properties. In many households across India and Southeast Asia, tamarind is added to meals not only for flavour but also to make food feel lighter and easier to digest. For instance, tamarind sweet and tangy chutney stimulates appetite and aids digestion of fried foods like pakodas. Tamarind is also believed to balance digestion through its mild natural laxative qualities, particularly during hot weather when appetite tends to decrease.
Rich in Antioxidants and Minerals
Tamarind contains several plant compounds, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to overall wellness. According to experts, antioxidants help protect the body from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. It is also known for compounds like polyphenols and tartaric acid. Tamarind is rich in magnesium, potassium, iron, and calcium. In many traditional dishes, tamarind is combined with lentils, vegetables, herbs, and spices, creating meals that are both flavourful and nutrient-rich.
Refreshing and Enjoyable in Summer
Summer heat often reduces appetite, and tamarind has long been used in tropical regions as a flavourful ingredient that makes meals and beverages more refreshing during hot weather. In many places, it is used to make cooling summer drinks along with chilled water, mint, cumin, black salt, or jaggery. Tamarind is also widely used in summer chutneys, rice dishes, and light curries that complement seasonal foods.
4 Ways to Enjoy Tamarind
- Tamarind Chutney: Sour, sweet, and tangy, this chutney goes well with all types of fried foods. To make it, add tamarind puree to a tempering of mustard oil, fennel, cumin, and chilli, then cook with water, jaggery, salt, pepper, and black salt.
- Tamarind in Curries: Tamarind is used in dishes like sambar and rasam, where the pulp is cooked with lentils and vegetables, offering the perfect tangy taste that complements rice-based dishes.
- Tamarind Candies: These chewy, tangy treats are made using tamarind pulp mixed with sugar, jaggery, salt, and spices. They help improve digestion and soothe the taste buds.
- Tamarind Sherbat: To make a simple tamarind cooler, soak tamarind pulp in water and mix with roasted cumin, black salt, mint leaves, jaggery, or lemon juice. Enjoy with ice on top.
Incorporating tamarind into your summer diet can offer numerous health benefits while adding a delightful tangy flavour to your meals and beverages.
