Black Velvet Tamarind
Velvet tamarind aka Pebble tamarind, also known as Buah Keranji in Malay and Gal Siyambala in Singhalese, is a tropical fruit found in regions like Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and Thailand, as well as in some African countries, including Nigeria and Ghana.
This unique fruit boasts a velvety outer skin that is a striking grey-black hue, firm to the touch and reminiscent of a protective shell. Beneath this intriguing exterior lies the fruit, which captivates with its rich brownish-orange color and a delightfully fuzzy texture, perfectly embodying its name. The flavor profile of velvet tamarind is an exciting mix of acidic, tart, and an enticing sour-sweet taste that tingles the taste buds. During my school days, velvet tamarind was a beloved treat sold in the canteen, greatly cherished by my schoolmates. We would playfully stick out our tongues to show the vivid orange hue left behind after indulging in this fruit.
To enjoy velvet tamarind, you simply use your fingers to gently peel away the velvety skin, revealing the soft, sometimes slightly dry flesh encasing a large seed—or occasionally, two smaller seeds. You can either suck on the flesh or chew it carefully, all the while being mindful of the seed at the center.
In my culinary adventures, I have encountered dishes, primarily soups and gravies, where velvet tamarind has been skilfully used to impart a vibrant sour flavor. The Thais creatively incorporate velvet tamarind into refreshing drinks, tantalizing desserts, and spicy, sour soups. In Malay cuisine, especially in Assam Pedas (a hot and sour curry), the addition of velvet tamarind makes the gravy wonderfully tangy. In Indonesia, they craft Bir Pletok, a rejuvenating herbal drink infused with the unique essence of velvet tamarind. Some people also choose to roast velvet tamarind seeds, transforming them into a delicious snack.
#velvettamarind#buahkeranji#velvet#tamarind#fruit#sweet#sour#exoticfruit#rarefruit#fruithunters#sweetsour#blackvelvettamarind#culinaryeducation#tropicalfruits#unusualfruits
