There are many useful parts of the tamarind tree, from the wood to the fruit and seeds. However, tamarind seeds are one of the most underrated and useful parts of the tamarind tree.
They have been utilized for their medicinal properties for centuries, and are even being studied for their usefulness in the food additive and pharmaceutical fields.
Tamarind seeds are useful for health conditions ranging from digestive issues to immune system support.
In this article, you will learn more about these useful seeds, as well as how to prepare them into powder so you can make your own beneficial remedies.
Related: How To Prepare And Eat Tamarind Seeds
What is tamarind seed powder?
Tamarind seed powder is created by grinding tamarind seeds to make them easier to utilize for medicinal drinks like teas and decoctions.
When the seeds are processed into powder, this increases the dissolvability so they can be added to water and dissolve much faster and more thoroughly.
The process to make tamarind seed powder can be laborious, but having the right materials can help make the process easier.
Of course, the end result is worth the effort, as you will have a highly medicinal preparation you can use for a variety of ailments.
Below you can read more about how the seed powder is created so you can make your own.
Related: What Is Tamarind Paste?
How do you prepare tamarind seed powder?
There are several steps to preparing and creating tamarind seed powder. The process begins with harvesting at the right time and ends with screening the seeds to obtain a finer powder.
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare tamarind seed powder
Step 1. Harvest seeds
Step one begins with harvesting. Seed should be harvested from mature pods that have been harvested from a mature tamarind tree. The tamarind seed pods are then opened to remove the seeds.
They are surrounded by dense tamarind paste/pulp, so this must be removed from the seeds before they are processed further.
Step 2. Sort seeds
Sometimes there are pieces of debris that must also be removed. Rotten seeds are also removed and discarded. This sorting process can be laborious, but it is important to ensure high-quality powder as the end result.
After sorting and removing all the impurities, you should be left with good seeds for processing.
Step 3. Remove seed coating
These seeds must be roasted lightly to make the coating more brittle so it can be removed easier. Roast seeds in a pan under medium heat for fifteen to twenty minutes. The seeds will appear blackened on the outside when this process is completed.
Step 4. Strip coating from seeds
Next, you are ready to strip the seed coating from the endosperm (the seed inside the coating). One way to do this is to wrap them in a towel and roll this around on a hard surface for several minutes.
Keep unwrapping the towel to check the seeds and see if the coating has fallen away.
Step 5. Grind seeds
Once you have successfully removed the outer seed coating, you are ready to grind the seeds. There are several ways to grind the seeds. One way involves using a mortar and pestle. This can take time because it involves doing it by hand.
Another way is to place the seeds in an industrial mixer/food processor/blender. Some blenders come with attachments that help grind dry plant material into powder easier. When you have all the powder you need, you are ready for the last step, which is screening.
Step 6. Sift powder
The powder should be poured on a screen and sifted until you are left with a finer powder to work with.
Step 7: Store properly
Store the tamarind seed powder in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. When ready to use, simply add it to your dish according to taste. Tamarind seed powder is a delicious way to add depth of flavor to any recipe.
Related: What Is Tamarind Puree?
How do you use tamarind seed powder?
Tamarind seed powder is a versatile ingredient that can be used in sweet or savory dishes. It has a mildly tart flavor and can be used as a thickener or added to recipes for an extra boost of flavor.
To use tamarind seed powder, simply combine it with water to form a paste, then add it to your recipe as desired. In general, you will want to use about 1 teaspoon of tamarind seed powder for every 1 cup of liquid in your recipe.
The most popular use for tamarind seed powder is simply adding it to water to make a tea or decoction to use medicinally. When you add the powder to warm water, it dissolves quite easily and makes it much easier to take medicinally.
Keep in mind that the flavor of tamarind seed powder can be strong, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
It can also be added to capsules to make dietary supplements. In the food industry, it can be used as an additive.
Oftentimes, anywhere from a pinch to a teaspoon of tamarind seed powder is added to a cup of warm water to make a medicinal drink.
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Benefits of tamarind seed powder
Tamarind seeds boast quite a variety of uses. They possess anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, and antibacterial properties, as well as linolenic acid and xyloglucan, which give the seeds unique medicinal properties to treat a wide range of ailments.
Below are the benefits of tamarind seed powder:
1. Soothes and treat sore throats
Because of the antibacterial compounds in the seeds, they work to soothe and treat sore throats. You can blend a pinch of seed powder in a ½ cup of warm water and gargle this as needed for a sore throat.
2. Helps with digestion
The outer coating of tamarind seeds contains a compound called xyloglucan. This compound has been used as a substitute for fruit pectin. It is also very useful for the treatment of digestive woes like diarrhea.
The seed juice is also an excellent source of dietary fiber, so it can help with indigestion and increase the production of bile to help aid in digestion.
3. Provides immune support
Another popular use for tamarind seeds is immune support. The seeds boost the production of hemoglobin, red blood cells, white blood cells, and even platelets.
This helps increase immune cells to protect against viral and bacterial infections.
4. Regulates blood sugar levels
They also contain compounds to aid in insulin resistance, which can be helpful for those with diabetes. They may lower blood glucose and aid in weight loss as well.
Because the seeds are high in potassium and unsaturated fats, they may aid in keeping cholesterol levels in check.
5. Promotes cardiovascular health
Their linolenic acid content is another great way to fight cardiovascular disease and improve cardiovascular health. This essential fatty acid has been shown to help with high blood pressure and may prevent cardiovascular disease.
6. Prevents inflammation
It is well-known that tamarind seeds are highly anti-inflammatory. For this reason, they make a great treatment for inflammatory conditions like arthritis. They may soothe painful joints and help to lubricate them as well.
With a decrease in inflammation comes a decrease in pain, which can be very beneficial for those who suffer from arthritis.
Try adding a pinch of tamarind seed powder to a cup of water to make tea. Drink one to two cups daily for best results.
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