Sour Tamarind

The Sour Tamarind Tree is a majestic, long-lived tropical legume known for its tangy, acidic pods used in countless global cuisines. Native to Africa but naturalized throughout South Asia and the Caribbean, Tamarindus indica thrives in hot, dry climates and produces both dense shade and culinary-grade fruit packed with tart, citrusy flavor.

This tree is ideal for agroforestry, orchards, tropical landscaping, and ethnic markets where sour tamarind pulp is in constant demand for sauces, chutneys, drinks, and natural remedies.

🌿 Tree Growth

• Large, wide-spreading tropical tree reaching 30–60 ft tall

• Slow to moderate growth; long-lived and drought-tolerant

• Feathery, pinnate foliage with an elegant canopy

• Starts fruiting in 5–7 years from seed or earlier from grafted stock

• Excellent for shade, windbreak, or ornamental tropical design

🌰 Fruit Description

• Produces long, curved pods with sticky, brown pulp and hard seeds

• Flavor is intensely sour — used in marinades, tamarind water, sauces, candies, and spice blends

• Harvest when pods dry and begin cracking naturally

• Common in Indian, Thai, Filipino, Caribbean, African, and Latin cuisines

• Pods store well and have long shelf life when dried

❄️ Cold Tolerance

• USDA Zones 10a–11

• Sensitive to frost — best in coastal and true tropical areas

• Young trees require protection under 40°F

• Drought-tolerant once established

📅 Harvest Season

• Fruiting begins mid to late dry season (varies by climate)

• Florida season: typically late winter into spring

• Pods take 8–10 months to mature after flowering

💼 Ideal For

• Tropical farms, botanical gardens, and edible landscapes

• Growers targeting ethnic and specialty produce markets

• Homesteads, agroforestry designs, and long-term orchard projects

• Culinary professionals and herbalists seeking authentic tamarind flavor

🔒 Zill High Performance Notes

Our sour tamarind trees are grown from high-vigor seed stock, hardened outdoors in South Florida for transplant success and long-term performance. These are not ornamental tamarinds — they’re selected for fruit production and healthy structure. Heavy demand among Caribbean, Asian, and Latin American buyers.