Tamarindus indica L., commonly known as the tamarind tree, is one of the most important leguminous tree species. This chapter describes the origin, classification, chemical composition, production, sources, main uses, health aspects and quality issues associated with this crop. The tamarind tree originates from Madagascar. The most valuable and commonly used part is the fruit. The pulp constitutes 30–50 % of the ripe fruit, the shell and fibre account for 11–30 % and the seed about 25–40 %. Tamarind is commonly used as a health remedy throughout Asia, Africa and the Americas. Tamarind products, leaves, fruits and seeds have been extensively used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine and traditional African medicine. Tamarind is reported to have been adulterated with foreign matter which is both organic and inorganic in nature, due to poor post-harvest management practices including processing.