Usika  tea refers to the Tamarind tree and its fruit, a tropical leguminous tree native to Africa, commonly known in Zimbabwe as Musika or Rusika, and in English as Tamarind. Its edible fruit contains a tangy, sweet-sour pulp rich in tartaric acid, vitamins (especially B vitamins), and minerals like calcium. In traditional Zimbabwean medicine and cooking, the fruit pulp is used for making porridges and teas, and is believed to have medicinal properties for treating ailments such as fever, indigestion, and asthma.
 
Uses and Benefits
Culinary:
The fruit's pulp is used to make porridge, sauces, jams, candies, and refreshing drinks. 
Medicinal:
The pods and pulp are used in traditional medicine to treat:
Fever, stomach upsets, and indigestion 
Constipation and dysentery 
Asthma and coughs 
Rheumatism, arthritis, and aching legs 
Nutritional:
Tamarind is a good source of:
Dietary fiber 
B vitamins 
Minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and iron 
Antioxidants 
Key Characteristics
Appearance: Long, bean-like, sandy-brown pods with a sticky, sweet-sour pulp. 
Growth: The tree thrives in hot, dry areas with well-drained soil. 
Taste: Sweet, tart, and tangy