Introduction. Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) is amultipurpose, tropical fruit tree originating in Africa. Although the main commercialproduction of tamarind fruits takes place in Asia and America, tamarind plays an essentialsubsistence role in rural West Africa. This study highlights the importance of tamarind intraditional diets of rural communities in Benin, Mali and Senegal. Methods.Ethnobotanical field data was gathered through structured individual interviews,semi-structured group discussions, agricultural calendars and participatory mapping with220 informants of eleven ethnic groups across four agroecological zones. Data wasprocessed by quantitative and qualitative analytical methods. Results.Tamarind adds vitamins and minerals, as well as the traditionally appreciated sour taste,to drinks and meals. It is consumed daily and year-round by many rural West Africans.Ethnic similarities and differences in food use patterns of tamarind highlight theimportance of tamarind in West African subsistence. The results include detaileddescriptions of tamarind processing and traditional meal preparations of tamarind fruits,seeds, flowers and leaves. Conclusions. Documentation of local knowledge ontamarind processing and uses is needed to assist local and regional promotion anddomestication efforts of tamarind to prevent a further decline in tamarind treepopulations. High local use and demand for tamarind fruits and leaves in subsistenceshould stimulate the development of sustainable production as well as conservationefforts, in order to secure a continued harvest and satisfy local demand for thisimportant traditional food in the future