African Black Velvet Tamarind (Awin)

African velvet tamarind is the fruit of a native West African tree called Dialium Guineense. Popularly known as Awin in Yoruba, Icheku in Igbo and Tsamiyar kurm in Hausa, Velvet Tamarind is a seasonal fruit with a sweet and tangy taste.

Black velvet tamarind (Awin) is rich in vitamins including thiamin, vitamin A, folic acid, niacin, riboflavin, and the most important is vitamin C. besides acting as antioxidants to fight free radicals, these vitamins also help the function of enzyme metabolism of the human body.

The leaf extract of velvet tamarind has the ability to increase gastric mucus secretion which helps ease gastric ulcers. The leaves are also highly diuretic-promotes the production of urine, making it easier for the heart to pump blood hence, reducing the risk of hypertension.

It’s used to treat malaria, diabetes (since it lowers blood sugar), pain, bronchitis, and a variety of other ailments. Awin, Icheku, or Velvet tamarind, there are essential nutrients such as potassium, sodium, iron, vitamin C, and magnesium, are abundant in these fruits.