Tamarind Balls

If you like really tart and sweet in one mouthful try a Tamarind ball. The main ingredient is probably impossible to get in northern countries, the Tamarind tree like a warm climate, but local ladies often make them here on Anguilla when the Tamarind pods are ripe and sell them at local events.

Tamarind pods
peeled and seeded.

Raw sugar crystals
brown sugar will work.
Remove the pulp from the pod and clean off the fiber from around the pulp.
Roll the tamarind pulp into mouthsize pieces. The pulp is rather dry and dark brown in color.
Roll the tamarind balls in sugar until coated.

Note: The Tamarind tree is a large hardwood tree that grows on most Caribbean islands. It is very hardy and will root anywhere a seed is dropped. Birds will often peck into the pods for the soft pulp and carry the seeds with them when they go.
Tamarind is the main ingredient in many steak sauces on the market today.

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