Tamarind paste isn’t one of the vital widespread substances in lots of kitchens which is why some could search for assist with shopping for tamarind paste. Some persons are utterly unfamiliar with it.
But it’s really a quite common ingredient in sure kinds of cooking. Tamarind paste isn’t present in some grocers and different retailers so it may be difficult to discover. This depends upon the place you’re situated and the kinds of markets you may have entry to.
Sometimes, discovering extra unique substances like tamarind paste can require a go to to a specialty market or an internet grocery retailer.
Tamarind paste comes from a sticky fruit that grows on the tamarind tree. It’s a standard ingredient in ethnic cuisines and originates in Africa. It has a bitter and citrusy style and has a texture related to molasses. Tamarind paste typically is available in a jar however could also be present in different kinds of containers.
Because it’s not one of many extra widespread spices, it might not be out there in any respect kinds of grocery retailers. The following data and ideas can assist you purchase tamarind paste so you may start utilizing it in some tasty dishes.
How Tamarind Paste is Sold
Most of the time you’ll find tamarind paste in a glass or plastic jar. This helps preserve it recent on the cabinets and makes it simpler to use within the kitchen.
Tamarind paste may additionally are available a squeeze tube or bottle. Some ethnic shops could promote tamarind paste in a plastic bag-like container. Keep in thoughts that the majority tamarind pastes available on the market are labeled as seedless. If they don’t have this label, then the paste most likely has the pod seeds within the paste.
In some areas, you could find a way to purchase tamarind pods which might permit you to make your personal tamarind paste at dwelling. This may get monetary savings however would require some further work within the kitchen.
Seasonal or Year-Round Availability?
Tamarind paste isn’t a seasonal ingredient like many different herbs and seasonings. Because it’s broadly grown in Africa, Asia, and Mexico, it’s really available year-round. The indisputable fact that the tamarind paste is made in a method that offers it an extended shelf life implies that you don’t have to fear about seasonal availability.
Where to Buy Tamarind Paste
Large supermarkets and grocery shops are very seemingly to carry a number of completely different manufacturers of tamarind paste. Smaller grocers who don’t inventory many ethnic items could not have any out there.
It’s regularly present in Indian and Asian markets. If you reside in an space with out entry to ethnic markets and shops with giant ethnic meals sections, you could have to look on-line to buy tamarind paste.
Purchasing on-line can assist you type by the completely different choices out there so you may get the highest quality product based mostly on buyer evaluations and worth. Tamarind paste will seemingly be with the spices and seasonings in most grocery shops.
Ingredients
Traditionally, tamarind paste has quite simple substances. It’s flavorful by itself which is why it normally doesn’t have lots of components. The purest tamarind pastes can have just one ingredient: extract of tamarind.
There could also be some others out there with components to both preserve them shelf-stable or to add further taste. Some tamarind paste could also be offered as “organic” whereas others will probably be typical. Choosing between the two depends upon your private preferences.
Cost of Tamarind Paste
Tamarind paste comes concentrated which is why it could appear costly at first look. But one container can final a very long time. And it has an extended shelf life when saved correctly when put next to different related kinds of seasonings.
Just like all spice or seasoning, the price of tamarind paste depends upon the place you purchase it. It’s most frequently offered by the ounce. It could also be extra reasonably priced in ethnic markets however the decisions of package deal dimension will seemingly be restricted.
If you store on-line, you may evaluate costs to get the very best price per ounce. The worth per ounce can range from beneath $1 up to over $2 per ounce.
Challenges in Finding and Buying Tamarind Paste
Because tamarind paste is nearly at all times imported, the language on the container might not be in English. This could make it troublesome to determine which is the best choice. Most ethnic markets can seemingly reply any questions you may have in regards to the product as they have an inclination to inventory merchandise they’re conversant in and know quite a bit about.
If you’re procuring on-line, having the ability to learn to product description will also be difficult should you don’t know the language the label is written in. Many on-line retailers will give you a translation of the product data.
Tamarind paste has a novel taste that makes it a worthwhile ingredient to have in any pantry. It has a texture like molasses and may be very concentrated so that you don’t want to use it quite a bit in your dishes. Tamarind paste is utilized in African, Indian, Asian, and different kinds of ethnic delicacies. It’s out there in most giant supermarkets, ethnic grocery shops, and on-line grocery retailers.
Tamarind paste is accessible at many grocery shops and specialty meals shops. It will also be bought on-line by retailers like Amazon.