Raw Malabar tamarind from Kerala's western ghats. The tropical fruit known as malabar tamarind, or Garcinia cambogia, is native to Southeast Asia. Its culinary and medicinal uses are well known. Malabar tamarind is used in many traditional recipes and has gained appeal as a natural ingredient in weight loss supplements. The fruit is round, tiny, and usually green or yellow in color (the color of dried Malabar tamarinds is dark). Its flavor is sour and tart, like tamarind. The flesh within is delicious, but the skin outside is thin. Malabar tamarind balances sweetness and acidity in recipes, giving them a distinct flavor. It is frequently added to pickles, chutneys, curries, and drinks