It just doesn't feel like a true Mexican household unless you have some tamarind candies stashed away in the snack drawer. Moving away from home doesn't tame a taste for tamarind!  Has it been a while since you've been to the neighborhood dulceria? Let’s take a walk down candy memory lane with what many consider to be the favorite candy of Mexican households.

What is Mexican Tamarind Candy?

Anyone who grew up in a Mexican household will tell you that it's the flavor of childhood celebrations. Even people who simply spend a little time in Mexico often return home craving more of the delicious tamarind candies they enjoyed throughout their trips. You may be wondering why Mexican families are so wild about tamarind candies if you've just learned about these sweets for the first time.

Let's talk tamarind! Tamarind or tamarindo candy is a special sweet produced using the fruit of the tropical tamarind tree. It is found in grocery stores, candy stores, and corner markets throughout Mexico. While buying tamarind candy in the United States isn't always easy, it is possible to find this beloved Mexican candy in some neighborhoods around the country. The good news is that you can get this yummy candy in a Mexican subscription box.

Why Are Tamarind Candies Special for Mexican Families?

The only thing sweeter than the taste of tamarind candy is how it makes anyone who grew up in a Mexican household feel whenever they take a bite. Many people have fond memories of going with Abuela to pick up these sweet treats from street sweets vendors. 

What Does Tamarind Candy Taste Like?

First, it's important to point out that there isn't just "one" type of tamarind candy. Tamarindo is a flavor added to several different candies by different candy brands. However, most tamarind candies are chews that have a consistency similar to chewing gum or fruit leathers. The texture you get with tamarind candy is a result of the tamarind pulp being turned into a paste that is used as the base for the candy. There are some incredibly yummy tamarind candies out there that are small pieces of tamarind gum rolled in sugar. You can also find some sweet tamarind lollipops if you prefer to enjoy childhood memories on your taste buds one lick at a time. It's impossible to forget the taste of tamarind once you've had it.

The flavor of tamarind can be difficult to describe! Most people who love it point out that tamarind candy has a "sweet and sour" flavor. While it can't really be compared to another flavor, the closest match to tamarind is the flavor of a date.

Why Is Tamarind Candy So Good?

Tamarind candy is so good because of its unique flavor combination. It has the perfect combination of salt and spice. The unique flavor stimulates your taste buds and is truly a delight to eat. In addition, tamarind candies are layered with other fruit flavors like mango or watermelon. This layering accentuates the sweetness for an irresistible taste that kids (and adults) love!

What Is Tamarind Candy Made From?

Recipes for tamarind candy vary by brand. It’s usually made from tamarind pulp, which comes from the tamarind tree. Anyone who associates tamarind with Mexican culture might be surprised to learn that the tamarind tree isn't native to Mexico. While the chili powder often added to tamarind confections is purely Mexican, tamarind trees are native to Africa, India, and the Middle East. The trees arrived in Mexico on Spanish trading ships called the Manila galleons.

In addition to tamarind, confectioners or brown sugar is added to tamarind candies for a temptingly sweet treat. Many brands add in a little bit of chili powder for some bite!

Does Tamarind Candy Taste Like the Tamarind Drink?

If you've ever been served an agua de tamarind while staying at a tropical resort, you've already experienced a glimpse of what yummy tamarind candies taste like! Agua de tamarind is a nonalcoholic beverage consisting of tamarind, sugar, and water. The strong tamarind flavor of the drink is very similar to the taste infused into tamarind candies.

Why Mexican Tamarind Candy Isn't Just for Kids

There's no need to feel guilty if your childhood love of tamarind never went away. You can fall in love with tamarind candy all over again as an adult. First, eating tamarind candy is a great way to honor your heritage by continuing to embrace the candy you ate around your friends and family while growing up. However, tamarind candy is more than just candy that's good for the soul. It's also a relatively healthy choice as far as candy options go. Tamarind is bursting with calcium and potassium. What's more, tamarind candies are typically made without the excessive sugar, dyes, and additives used in many popular candies today.

How to Get Tamarindo Candy in the United States

Do you have a hard time finding tamarind candy in America? Sourcing this Mexican favorite can be challenging if you don't live in an area known for having lots of specialty shops stocked with international foods. It can be impossible to find authentic tamarind candies in certain parts of the country. If you grew up in Mexico, you might have even asked your family members to ship you some tamarind candies in the past to satisfy your cravings.

Let Us Help You Find the Mexican Candy You've Been Craving From Your Childhood 

MexiCrate is the best source for getting Mexican tamarind candy in the United States. The famed Tamarindo Box by MexiCrate features many different tamarind products for you to love! We also have an online Mexican candy website that allows you to pick and choose the tamarind sweets that catch your eye. Our customers love stocking up on more than 30 different tamarind varieties! MexiCrate is your source for real Mexican candy online if you want to relive your childhood, recreate a flavor you enjoyed on a Mexican vacation, or finally get a taste of what your friends are always talking about when they rave about tamarind!