Agua de Tamarindo

Agua de Tamarindo, or tamarind water, is a refreshing and tangy beverage that has been enjoyed in Latin America for centuries. Made from the pulp of tamarind fruit, this drink is known for its unique combination of sweet and sour flavours. Beyond its delicious taste, agua de tamarindo also offers a variety of health benefits, making it a popular choice among health-conscious individuals.

Ingredients:

If using fresh tamarind pods:

• 1 pound fresh tamarind pods
• 6-8 cups of water (divided)
• ½ to ¾ cup sugar (or adjust to taste)

If using tamarind concentrate:

• ⅓ to ½ cup tamarind concentrate
• 6-8 cups of water
• ½ to ¾ cup sugar (or adjust to taste)

Instructions:

Using fresh tamarind pods:

1.  Peel the tamarind pods, removing the outer shell and as many of the fibres as possible.
2.  Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the tamarind pods, cover, and reduce heat. Simmer for about 8 minutes, then remove from heat and let steep until completely cool (about 2-3 hours).
3.  Once cool, squeeze the tamarind flesh around the seeds to soften the pulp. Discard seeds and any remaining fibres.
4. Transfer the tamarind pulp and liquid to a blender and blend until smooth.

Using tamarind concentrate:

1. Combine the tamarind concentrate with sugar and 6-8 cups of water. Stir until well mixed In a large pitcher

For both methods:

1.  Adjust sweetness with additional sugar if needed.
2.  Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
3.  Serve over ice and enjoy!

Optional Additions:

• A squeeze of fresh lime juice.
• A pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

Tips:

• If you prefer a smoother drink, strain the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve.
• Experiment with the sweetness based on your preference.
• Agua de Tamarindo is a refreshing drink all year round but can be especially lovely on a hot day.

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