Can You Ripen a Young Tamarind Fruit Off the Tree?

Ripening Problems

• The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends harvesting tamarind at the right stage because picking unripe fruit leads to improper ripening. Fruit that is picked too early doesn't separate easily from the peel. The best ripeness indicator is when the fruit falls naturally from the tree. Tamarind trees in humid regions are prone to fungi and beetle infestation of very ripe fruit. In these regions fruit isn't allowed to fall naturally but is picked as soon as it ripens.

Fruit Description

• Tamarind fruit consists of 3- to 8-inch-long, brown pods growing along new branches. Ripe pods fill with brown to reddish brown pulp with brittle outer skins. Each pod contains 1 to 12 large, glossy brown seeds within the edible pulp. As pulp dehydrates, it turns to a sticky paste with strands of fiber. It tastes sweet or sour, depending on the variety.

Harvesting Time

• The fruit is ready for harvesting between late spring and early summer. Fruit can stay on the tree for up to 6 months after maturation to reduce its moisture content. Though ripe fruit falls naturally to the ground, fruit intended for immediate processing is picked. A mature tamarind tree produces up to 350 lbs. of fruit per year, reports California Rare Fruit Growers.

Harvesting Tips

• If mature fruit doesn't fall naturally, harvesters in India shake the branches to drop the fruit. Remaining fruit is left on the tree to ripen naturally. Tamarind fruit pickers are discouraged from using poles to knock off the fruit as they can damage the new flowers and leaves. Clipping the stalks from the branches helps keep the fruit intact for marketing.