176 FOOD-GRAINS OF INDIA. 



eaten by the Santals in times of scarcity ; the seeds are regularly 

 consumed in a particular preparation with mahua flowers. 



COMPOSITION OF SAL (SEEDS), C. 



In 100 parts. 



Water icr8 



Albuminoids ... ... ... ... ... 80 



Starch, etc. ... ... ... ... ... 627 



Oil 14-8 



Fibre ... ... ... ... ... ... 1-4 



Ash ... 2-3 



The nutrient -ratio, calculated from the above figures, is 

 i : 12, and the nutrient- value 105. The latter number is 

 probably above the truth, for it is likely that a not incon- 

 siderable part of the nutrients in these hard seeds of unappetis- 

 ing appearance exists in an indigestible condition. 



Pistacia vera (Linn.). 



This small tree, which belongs to the Anacardiaceae, is not 

 a native of India; but large quantities of its fruits (pistachio 

 nuts) are imported from Afghanistan into North- Western India, 

 where they are consumed by all classes. The Afghan tree is 

 almost certainly identical with that of the Mediterranean shores. 



COMPOSITION OF PISTACHIO-KERNELS (C.). 



In 100 parts. 



Water 5-9 



Albuminoids ... .. ... ... ... 24-4 



Starch, etc. ... ... ... ... ... 3-5 



Oil 62-5 



Fibre 1-3 



Ash 2*4 



The nutrient-ratio is here i : 6, and the nutrient- value 172. 

 This Afghan sample contained n per cent, more oil than I 

 found in European pistachio-kernels. 



