Summary:
It’s funny how we think of tamarind trees as being typically Indian when actually they originated in the African sub-continent. The tamarind harvest happens just once a year and sadly only a very few continue the tradition of preserving freshly picked tamarind. Back in the day, neighbourhoods collectively invested in the tamarind harvest and shared in the pickings, it was just that simple. My school friends even today salivate over the vendaikkai paal kozhambhu made at mom’s which is a heavenly concoction of tamarind pulp and coconut milk. Once the outer shell is split open the fruit is left out in the sun..