The fruit of the tamarind is one of most commonly reserved for consumption, whether raw, cooked, or prepared in some pre-packaged snacks. The fleshy, juicy, acidulous pulp of the fruit is mature when colored brown or reddish-brown. The fruit is considered ripe when the pods are easily pried open with fingers.
The pulp of the fruit is the main portion of tamarind used in food production. When riper, tamarind becomes much sweeter and may be used in preparing Tamarind Balls.
Tamarind Balls are sweet and sour confectioneries that are very popular in the Philippines and eaten as sweets. The Tamarind pulp is removed from the Tamarind fruit and processed into a ball and coated with granulated sugar then sealed in plastic packaging for freshness.
You can also add garlic, black pepper or cayenne pepper to add a different spicy flavor. You can make even make tamarind balls from the tamarind paste available in local supermarkets.
Tamarind Balls are high in protein, carbohydrates, potassium, phosphorous and calcium and is a source of iron, vitamin C, thiamine and niacin. Try to make Tamarind Balls and start your own small business at home.
How to make Tamarind Balls
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ripe tamarind with seeds
- 2 cups camote (sweet potato) boiled and mashed
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup water with 1 teaspoon salt
Procedure:
- Mix the ingredients in a heavy pan.
- Cook in moderate fire.
- Stir constantly until mixture becomes very thick and can be formed or shaped.
- Transfer into a big platter.
- Form into balls and roll in sugar.
- Wrap in cellophane.
Sources: www.fnri.dost.gov.ph; Photo: Wikipedia.org