176 



Food-Grains of India. 



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

 consumed in a particular preparation with mahua flowers. 



Composition of Sal (Seeds), C. 



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 Afghdnistdn 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 

 Starch, etc. 

 Oil 

 Fibre 

 Ash 



24-4 



3*5 

 62-5 



I '3 

 2-4 



The nutrient-ratio is here 1:6, and the nutrient- value 172. 

 This Afghan sample contained 11 per cent, more oil than I 

 found in European pistachio-kernels. 



