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The Daily Insight

What is kernel of tamarind seed?

Author

Rachel Ross

Updated on March 05, 2026

What is kernel of tamarind seed?

The cotyledon or kernel in tamarind seeds is considered as a waste. However, the kernel contains starch and gum which is processed under different steps to transform into powder form. Tamarind Kernel powder has excellent water absorption property and high viscosity as well.

What happens if we eat tamarind seeds?

Tamarind seed juice is known to be a natural remedy to cure indigestion and increase bile production. Moreover, it is rich in dietary fibre, which further results in reduction of cholesterol. Fibre also helps in improving your digestive system.

Is it good to eat tamarind seed?

The seeds and leaves are also edible. It is used in sauces, marinades, chutneys, drinks, and desserts. It’s also one of the ingredients of Worcestershire sauce.

What is inside a tamarind seed?

The tamarind tree, also known as Tamarindus indica, bears edible fruit through pods and is indigenous to tropical Africa. But what’s more are the seeds found in tamarind that are packed with proteins, amino acids, essential fatty, acids, and minerals.

What is tamarind kernel powder used for?

Due to its rich content of carbohydrates and protein, Tamarind Kernel Powder is also used in producing adhesives. It’s majorly used in the food processing industry and applied largely in ketchup, ice creams, sauces, sherbet, baked food, pet food, meat product and instant noodles.

What is kernel powder?

Tamarind seed powder or tamarind gum or tamarind kernel powder (TKP) is obtained from the endosperm part of the seed. It is prepared by decorticating the seed which includes roasting and then de-hulling to remove the seed coat. The decorticated seed is ground by machines to the required mesh size to obtain a powder.

Is tamarind seeds poisonous?

Yep, they are edible and I am eating them right now. They are roasted untill they turn black charcoal colored and then peeled. The kernel smells a bit like coffee bean. They are very hard to bite, so they must be kept in the mouth for some time mixing with saliva and eaten slowly.

Why tamarind tree is bad?

Tamarind tree releases heavy Carbon dioxide at night along with nitrogen hence causing more breathing problem for all those whoever Stays near by tamarind tree. Thanks for A2A.

How do you eat roasted tamarind seeds?

The red outer cover of the tamarind seed is likely to cure diarrhoea and dysentery effectively. So, just soak the seeds overnight and peel the seeds. Consume it directly or with water to treat your upset stomach.

How do you separate tamarind seeds?

1. Soak the tamarind (with seeds and at times fibers is fine too) in hot water for 15-20 minutes. 2. Use your fingers to squeeze them and separate the flesh from the seeds.

What is tamarind kernel powder?

Tamarind Kernel Powder or TKP is a polysaccharide obtained from the endosperm of the tamarind seed of the tamarind tree, botanically known as Tamarindus indica Linn. This TKP based gum is a valuable thickener and stabilizer, used in different industries. TKP is also known as Tamarind Xyloglucan.

Why tamarind seeds were in demand during Second World War?

During World War II, tamarind seeds were ground down and roasted to make tamarind kernel powder which was used as a sizing agent for textiles like jute and cotton. Because of this there was a demand for tamarind seeds in the market.

What is tamarind kernel powder made from?

Tamarind Kernel Powder is derived from the seed of the tamarind tree, Tamarindus indica, one of the most common trees of southern India. The tamarind fruit is a large flat pod which is 10 to 15 cms in length. It contains tamarind seeds, stringy fibrous matter and an acidic pulp. The seeds are a by-product of the tamarind pulp industry.

What is tamarind seed used for?

Tamarind seed is an underutilized byproduct of the tamarind pulp industry. Only a small portion of the seed, in the form of tamarind kernel powder (TKP), is used as a sizing material in the textile, paper, and jute industries.

How many seeds are in a tamarind pod?

Botanically called Tamarindus indicn L., the fruit contains about 55% pulp, 34% seed, and 11% shell, and the fiber in a pod. Pods contain 1-10 irregular shaped seeds.

What does thmarind seed look like?

The seeds are very hard, shiny, reddish or purplish brown. The seed comprises of the seed coat or testa (20-30%) and the kernel or endosperm (70-80%). Thmarind seed is an underutilized byproduct of the tamarind pulp industry.