Supposedly tastes like dried apples and chocolate, which is a combination I still need to confirm for myself.
The Basics
Spanish tamarind, Vangueria madagascariensis, also called voa vanga, is a shrub or small tree in the coffee family, Rubiaceae, and despite the name has no relation to true tamarind.
Origin and Habitat
Native to Madagascar and much of tropical Africa, growing across a huge range from Ethiopia and Kenya down to South Africa.
What It Looks Like
A shrub or small tree producing round, brown-skinned fruit around two inches across when ripe.
Uses and Flavor
Eaten fully ripe, with sweet-tart pulp that’s been compared to tamarind or sour applesauce. During food shortages people in parts of Africa rely on it since it’s packed with nutrients, not unlike how we lean on moringa here for the same reason.
Growing It Here
Also called voa vanga, a gift from Joe, the same friend who gave us our rosita de cacao tree. Still less than 8 feet tall. Not from Spain, and not actually a tamarind, it’s African, and makes large orange fruits you harvest fully ripe.
Pests and Diseases to Watch For
Nothing to report so far, still establishing.
Kenta’s Take
A fruit that’s both a famine crop and supposedly tastes like dried apples and chocolate is too interesting a combination not to grow. I just need it to fruit so I can settle the chocolate comparison myself.