Tamarindus indica L., commonly known as tamarind, is a multipurpose long-lived tree best known for its fruit. It is indigenous to tropical Africa and exotic to Asia and Central America. India and Thailand are the major tamarind world producers, generating 300 000 and 140 000 tons annually, respectively. There are two main types of tamarind: sour (the most common) and sweet (mostly comes from Thailand). Tamarind can be eaten fresh (ripe or unripe) and it can be consumed processed into different products. In addition to the use of tamarind fruit in food it has many uses in the pharmacological industry and folk medicine. The ripe tamarind pods are susceptible to different pest and diseases, especially when grown in a big plantation. This chapter will describe the nutritional importance and the postharvest handling of tamarind