Tamarind Paste, a sweet-sour ingredient of chutneys and seasonings. It gives Indian sauces a light brown colour and the typical sweet-sour taste. Tamarindus Indica (Tamarind). The tree comes from East Africa and is cultivated in Asia and India. The fruit pulp is acidic and contains sugar and calcium. It is used to improve digestion, is a purgative and can also help with sore throats. In Ayurveda it is used to stimulate the appetite, strengthen the stomach and helps with constipation.