170 Food-Grains of India. 



of India. In Saran it is eaten to a larger extent than any other 

 pulse, and is prized next to Moth {Phaseolus aconitifolius). It 

 is wholesome and nutritious when properly freed from the husk, 

 its irritant and laxative character being thus greatly reduced. 

 It is not unusual to find that the higher-priced and finer qualities 

 of this pea have been slightly oiled before sale, to improve their 

 appearance. This practice is not unknown in reference to wheat 

 in the South of Europe. 



For the modes of preparing the pigeon-pea for human food see 

 the general observations on Pulses, page 1 20. 



The Locust or Carob-bean. 



Ceratonia Siliqua, L. 



Punjab — Kharniib-nubti, Kharndb-shami. 



This tree, a native of the countries bordering on the Medi- 

 terranean, attains a height of 20 to 30 feet. Its pods are 

 known as carob or locust-beans. The seeds, which are small, 

 hard, and reddish brown, are surrounded by a sweet mucilaginous 

 pulp of agreeable flavour. Carob-pods are 6 inches to i foot in 

 length, and about i inch broad. 



Composition of Carob-pods (C). 



In 100 parts. In 1 lb. 



Water i4'6 ... 2 oz. 147 grs. 



Albuminoids ... ... 7"i ... i „ 60 „ 



Sugar (5 1 "8 per cent.) and 



other Carbohydrates ... 679 ... 10 „ 378 „ 



Oil ri ... o „ 77 „ 



Fibre 6'4 ... i „ 10 „ 



Ash 2'9 ... o „ 203 „ 



The nutrient-ratio is here about i : 8"5, and the nutrient-value 

 68. As sugar, pectose, gum, etc., occupy the place of starch in 

 these pods, the starch-equivalent cannot be calculated in the 

 ordinary way, for the sugar, etc., are of less nutrient worth than 

 starch, containing for a given weight less carbon. 



