Badam pisin, also known as almond gum, is a natural gum derived from the almond tree (lat. Prunus amygdalus). It appears as hard, crystalline chunks that, when soaked in water, transform into a jelly-like substance. In Indian cuisine, badam pisin is often used as a natural thickening agent in beverages and desserts, such as jigarthanda, a popular drink from Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
It's also added to drinks like lemonade and buttermilk for its unique texture and cooling properties. Beyond its culinary uses, badam pisin is valued in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits. It's believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and is used in Ayurvedic practices to treat various ailments.