Tamarind seed powder is obtained by grinding the dried seeds of the Tamarindus indica fruit It is widely used in the food pharmaceutical textile and adhesive industries due to its high content of polysaccharides mainly tamarind seed polysaccharide TSP which acts as a natural thickener and stabilizer
Physical Properties
Appearance Fine freeflowing powder
Color Light brown to dark brown
Odor Characteristic mild
Taste Slightly bitter
Mesh Size 80200 mesh as per requirement
Solubility Partially soluble in hot water
pH 1 Solution 55 75
Chemical Composition Purity
Moisture Content Max 10
Polysaccharide Content TSP 5070
Protein 1020
Dietary Fiber 1030
Fat Content 37
Ash Content Max 5
Tannin Content 38
Starch Content 2040
Microbiological Standards For Food Pharmaceutical Grade
Total Plate Count Max 10000 CFUg
Yeast Mold Max 100 CFUg
Coliforms 10 CFUg
E Coli Salmonella Absent
Aflatoxins B1 B2 G1 G2 10 ppb
Contaminants Adulterants
Heavy Metals
o Lead Pb 02 ppm
o Cadmium Cd 01 ppm
o Arsenic As 01 ppm
o Mercury Hg 005 ppm
Pesticide Residues As per international standards FSSAI EU FDA
Artificial Additives Preservatives Must be absent
Applications of Tamarind Seed Powder
Food Industry Used as a thickener stabilizer and emulsifier in sauces jams and confectionery
Pharmaceuticals Ayurveda Used in tablets wound healing and digestive health formulations
Textile Industry Used as a sizing agent in fabric processing
Adhesive Industry Used in the production of natural adhesives and binding agents
Cosmetics Personal Care Used in antiaging and moisturizing products
Tamarind seeds, derived from the tamarind fruit (Tamarindus indica), are known for their various uses in food, medicine, and industry. Below are the general specifications for tamarind seeds:
1. Physical Characteristics:
Shape: Oval, slightly flat with a smooth surface.
Color: Light brown to reddish-brown (may vary depending on maturity).
Size: 1.5 to 2 cm in length, with a diameter of approximately 0.8 to 1.2 cm.
Weight: Approximately 0.4 to 0.5 grams per seed.
Texture: Hard and woody outer shell; inside contains a soft, sticky pulp.
2. Chemical Composition:
Moisture Content: Typically 10-12%, which can vary depending on drying and storage conditions.
Protein Content: 12-14% on a dry matter basis.
Fat Content: 0.5 to 1.5%.
Carbohydrates: 60-70%.
Fiber Content: High in dietary fiber.
Ash Content: 2-3%.
Tannin Content: Tamarind seeds contain tannins, which contribute to their astringent taste.
3. Nutritional Value (per 100g of seed):
Energy: ~350-370 kcal
Protein: 10-12g
Fat: 1-2g
Carbohydrate: 80-85g
Fiber: 10-12g
4. Uses:
Food Industry: Tamarind seeds can be ground into powder and used in sauces, soups, and spice blends.
Medicinal Uses: Seeds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They are used in traditional medicine for treating digestive problems, fevers, and wounds.
Industrial Uses:
Polymers and Bioplastics: Tamarind seed gum (polysaccharides) is used in biodegradable plastics.
Cosmetics: The gum extracted from tamarind seeds is used as an emulsifier in skin-care products.
Oil Extraction: Tamarind seed oil is rich in fatty acids and is used in soaps, cosmetics, and lubricants.
Animal Feed: Ground tamarind seed meal is used as an animal feed ingredient.
