Tamarind Pod Fractionation and Seed Characterisation in Different Age-Classes at Krishnagiri District, Northern Tamil Nadu, India

Studies were made to delineate the influence of Tamarind pod fractionation and seed characterization in 6 different age-classes (10–20, 20–30, 30–40, 4050, 50–60 and 60–70) for identifying the best ageclass for production of Tamarind kernel powder and Tamarind seed gum. The result revealed that in pod fractionation, 10–20 age class obtained maximum in pod shell (32.14%) and fibre (4.63%) content, 3040 age class in pulp (39.95%) and 40–50 age class in seed (31.49%) category. Similarly in seed characterization, 100 seed weight was maximum in 40–50 age class (94.26 grams). Among three different grading sizes of Tamarind seed, 40–50 age class recorded maximum in small seeds (333.14 grams/Kg.) and large seeds (377.59 grams/Kg.), 20–30 age class in medium seeds (381.06 grams/Kg.). Finally, 40–50 age class contributed maximum seed per cent, 100 seed weight, small seeds (<9.5 mm sieve) and hence 40–50 age class contributed maximum to TSG production and its properties.