Small dark-shelled fruit with sweet-tart pulp rich in vitamin C, tartaric acid, and tannins with demonstrated antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity. The ancestral vitamin C source in dry-season West African diet when citrus was unavailable.
The candy of West African childhood. Every Ghanaian and Nigerian grandmother carried yoyi in her bag. Black American children who grew up in households with West African immigrant neighbors often have memories of this fruit.
Tartaric acid in velvet tamarind has demonstrated blood glucose-lowering effects in preliminary studies. Tannin content shows antimicrobial activity against common pathogens. Vitamin C bioavailability is high due to the acidic environment of the pulp.
Crack the velvet shell, suck or scrape the dry pulp. Can be soaked in water to make a tangy drink. Pulp can be incorporated into sauces and chutneys.
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