ABSTRACT
Tamarind, Tamarindus indica Linn is cultivated in most of the tropical regions. It is native to tropical Africa, where it grows wild throughout Sudan. Tamarind fruit pulp contains up to 98% of tartaric acid and soluble sugar. This chapter describes the structure of tamarind tree, the production of tamarind pulp powder by using drum dryer, tamarind jam preparation process, production of tamarind paste, production of tamarind candy, preparation of tamarind kernel powder, extraction of tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP), uses of tamarind seed polysaccharide, and products and application of the parts of tamarind tree. TSPs are complex carbohydrates. Carbohydrates provide good mechanical properties for use as fibers, films, adhesives, hydrogels, emulsifiers, and drug delivery agents and can be used to form pectin like gels, jams, and jellies. TSPs give the product a mucin-like molecular structure and mucoadhesive properties.
