Our Story

Tamarindo Seeds

Tamarindo (tamarind) trees are native to tropical climates including Central America, South America, the Mediterranean, as well as Africa and Asia. Around the world the pulp around the seeds is used for a number of recipes, sauces, and herbal medicines. In Nicaragua, the plant is primarily used for making juice and flavoring. The harvest begins in January and the women prepare and bundle the fruit in order to sell them in local markets. 

How We Started

We are located in Granada, Nicaragua and work in the surrounding communities. In our communities there are many single mothers and the unemployment rate is nearly 80%. We saw an opportunity to help women learn entrepreneurial skills and create a chance for them have a better life for themselves and their children. We provide about 40 women with jobs each year. After the harvest of the the tamarindo pods, the women learn to peel and prepare them to sell in the markets. We take the seeds from leftover tamarindos, not going to the local markets, to create our jewelry. With the jewelry we are able to continue to provide work during the off season.

Our Future

We hope to continue to grow in the coming years. 2018 was the first year of harvest.