History of Tamarind

Botanically name Tamarindus Indica.

The tamarind does not appear to have been known to the ancient Greeks; at least no mention is made of it in their writings.

However, Avicenna was one of the writers who first prescribe the tamarind.

The tamarind is believed to be native of tropical Africa and perhaps southern Asia, where it has long been popular. It is also found in Arabia and Egypt as well as West India islands.

In the West Indies islands, where it has become naturalized, it is cultivated for the sake both of its shade and its acid, cooling, highly grateful fruit.

This large evergreen tamarind tree spread to India in prehistoric times and now grows in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It was known as Indian tamarind, tamarindo and rilytree.

It was Arabs who first brought tamarind across the Persian Gulf from India, influencing the cooking of the Gulf region area and Egypt.

It also Arabs who introduced the tree to Asia and with its pleasant acidic tasting fruit, it was enthusiastically adopted, especially on the subcontinent.

Tamarinds are mentioned by the Arabian writers who ascribe to them anti-bilious virtues but dwell particularly on their usefulness in correcting nausea, quenching thirst and allaying febrile excitement.

In Africa , the leaves have been used for fevers, as a laxative and for wounds.

It was early introduced into tropical America and from there was probably brought to Hawaii.
History of Tamarind