The Ultimate Guide to Almond Gum (Badam Pisin): 5+ Delicious Recipes & Health Benefits

The Ultimate Guide to Almond Gum (Badam Pisin): 5+ Delicious Recipes & Health Benefits

What Will You Discover in This Guide?

Tired of the summer heat? Discover nature's own jelly that cools you down and tastes delicious. This guide introduces almond gum (badam pisin) recipes, a healthy and versatile ingredient. You will learn what badam pisin is and how to prepare it. The guide also provides several almond gum recipes, from drinks to desserts. Finally, it explains the many health benefits.

What Exactly is Almond Gum (Badam Pisin)?

Last Updated: September 2025

Almond gum, or badam pisin, is a natural resin that comes from the sweet almond tree (Prunus amygdalus). This gum is the tree's sap, which oozes from the bark and hardens into crystals. In its raw form, badam pisin looks like small, hard, pale yellow or brownish rocks.

When you soak these crystals in water, they transform. They swell up and become a soft, jelly-like substance. It’s like a natural, healthy version of jelly. People value almond gum for its incredible cooling properties, making it a popular ingredient during hot weather. This edible gum is sourced from the sweet almond tree (Prunus amygdalus), a plant indigenous to Southwestern Asia. The gum is harvested after it naturally seeps out from cracks in the tree's bark and dries.

How to Soak and Prepare Almond Gum for Recipes

Preparing almond gum for your recipes is a critical first step that requires proper soaking. You must soak badam pisin before using it in any dish. The process is simple but needs time.

Here is a straightforward guide:

  • Rinse the hard almond gum crystals to remove any dust or debris.
  • Place a small amount of the gum into a Use a Large Bowl. The gum expands significantly, so you need plenty of space.
  • Cover the gum completely with a generous amount of clean water.
  • Let it Soak Overnight for at least 8-10 hours. During this time, the gum will absorb the water and swell into a transparent jelly.
  • After soaking, you can strain any excess water. The soft, jelly-like badam pisin is now ready to use.

Pro Tip: You can prepare a batch of soaked almond gum and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for about 3-4 days, ready for you to add to drinks and desserts whenever you like.

5+ Easy and Refreshing Almond Gum Recipes

This section shares some wonderful almond gum recipes you can easily try. You can explore everything from the famous Madurai Jigarthanda to simple and healthy flavored milk. These recipes show just how versatile this cooling ingredient can be in your kitchen.

Recipe 1: The Legendary Madurai Jigarthanda

Jigarthanda, which translates to "cool heart," is a famous drink from Madurai known for its refreshing qualities. The key ingredients are reduced milk, nannari syrup, and of course, badam pisin. This simplified version is perfect for home cooks. You can use condensed milk or store-bought ice cream as a quick hack. This recipe is a simplified version of the authentic Madurai classic, which you might find in authentic Madurai street shops.

Ingredients:

  • Soaked Almond Gum (Badam Pisin): 3-4 tablespoons
  • Chilled Milk: 1 cup
  • Condensed Milk or Reduced Milk: 2 tablespoons
  • Nannari Syrup: 2 tablespoons
  • Vanilla Ice Cream: 2 scoops

Instructions:

  • Take a tall glass. Add the soaked badam pisin to the bottom.
  • Pour the nannari syrup over the gum.
  • Add the condensed milk or reduced milk.
  • Pour in the chilled milk and stir everything together gently.
  • Add one scoop of vanilla ice cream and mix it lightly.
  • Top the drink with another scoop of ice cream before serving.

Recipe 2: Quick & Healthy Flavoured Milk (3 Variations)

This almond gum milk recipe is an easy, kid-friendly option that serves as a healthy alternative to sugary drinks. The base recipe is simple: chilled milk, soaked badam pisin, and a sweetener. From there, you can create delightful variations.

Base Recipe:

  • Chilled Milk: 1 cup
  • Soaked Almond Gum: 2 tablespoons
  • Sugar or Honey: 1 tablespoon (to taste)

Combine all ingredients in a glass and stir well. You can also add other healthy dry fruits for extra nutrition.

Rose Variation

For this rose milk with badam pisin, just add about 1-2 teaspoons of rose syrup to the base recipe. Mix it well for a fragrant and beautifully pink drink.

Pista/Cardamom Variation

Create a Pista variation by adding a few drops of pista essence or about 1/4 teaspoon of ground cardamom powder. This gives the milk a lovely, nutty aroma.

Chocolate Variation

For a chocolate-flavored milk, mix one teaspoon of cocoa powder into the base recipe. Ensure the cocoa powder dissolves completely for a smooth, chocolaty treat.

Recipe 3: Restaurant-Style Badam Pisin Falooda

This badam pisin falooda is a more decadent dessert drink that is popular across India. The magic of a great falooda recipe lies in its beautiful layers of different textures and flavors.

Ingredients:

  • Soaked Almond Gum: 3 tablespoons
  • Soaked Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds): 1 tablespoon
  • Cooked Vermicelli: 2 tablespoons
  • Rose Syrup: 2 tablespoons
  • Chilled Milk: 1 cup
  • Ice Cream (vanilla or rose): 1 scoop
  • Chopped Nuts for garnish

Instructions:

  • Prepare the layers in a tall glass. Start by adding the soaked almond gum at the bottom.
  • Add a layer of soaked sabja seeds on top of the gum.
  • Next, add a layer of the cooked vermicelli.
  • Drizzle rose syrup along the sides of the glass.
  • Gently pour the chilled milk over the layers.
  • Top with a generous scoop of ice cream.
  • Garnish with chopped nuts and serve immediately.

Recipe 4: Creamy Badam Pisin Payasam (No-Cook Option)

This section offers two ways to make a delicious badam pisin dessert: a traditional cooked payasam and a modern, healthy no-cook version.

Traditional Cooked Payasam (Kheer): This badam pisin payasam is a creamy and comforting dessert.

Ingredients:

  • Soaked Almond Gum: 1/4 cup
  • Milk: 2 cups
  • Sugar: 1/4 cup (or to taste)
  • Cardamom Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Ghee: 1 teaspoon
  • Cashews and Raisins: 1 tablespoon

Instructions:

  • Heat the milk in a pan and bring it to a gentle simmer.
  • Add the soaked almond gum and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring until it dissolves into the milk.
  • Add the sugar and cardamom powder, and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes until the payasam thickens slightly.
  • In a separate small pan, heat the ghee and fry the cashews and raisins until golden.
  • Add the fried nuts and raisins to the payasam.
  • Serve the almond gum kheer warm or chilled.

No-Cook Payasam: This "no-cook" version is a modern, healthy twist that is incredibly easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

  • Soaked Almond Gum: 1/4 cup
  • Coconut Milk: 1.5 cups
  • Jaggery Syrup or Maple Syrup: 3 tablespoons
  • Soaked Nuts (almonds, cashews): 2 tablespoons, blended into a paste
  • Cardamom Powder: 1/4 teaspoon

Instructions:

  • In a bowl, combine the thick coconut milk with the jaggery or maple syrup.
  • Add the nut paste and cardamom powder, and whisk until smooth.
  • Stir in the soaked almond gum.
  • Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

7 Science-Backed Health Benefits of Almond Gum

Many people ask, "is badam pisin healthy?" The answer is yes. This natural gum offers several traditional health benefits, many of which are supported by modern understanding.

While almond gum has many traditional benefits, consult a doctor for health advice.

  • A Natural Body Coolant One of the most well-known badam pisin benefits is its ability to act as a natural body coolant. It helps regulate body temperature and can provide relief from the intense heat of summer.
  • Aids Digestion and Acidity Soaked almond gum can soothe the stomach lining, which may help relieve symptoms of acidity and heartburn. Its properties can also help with issues like bloating and indigestion.
  • Supports Weight Management The high fiber content in almond gum can help you feel full for longer, which may support weight management by reducing overall calorie intake. If you consume it with milk, it may help with weight gain, while having it with water can aid in weight loss.
  • Promotes Healthy Skin Thanks to its hydrating properties, badam pisin can help moisturize the skin from the inside out, potentially leading to a softer and more radiant complexion. Some traditional uses also suggest it can help manage skin inflammation and rashes.
  • May Help Reduce Cholesterol Some studies and traditional beliefs suggest that regular consumption of almond gum may help reduce levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the body.
  • A Good Source of Fiber Almond gum is rich in fiber, which is crucial for good digestive health. A diet high in fiber supports digestive health and can prevent constipation.
  • Rich in Antioxidants Almond gum contains antioxidants, which help protect the body against damage from harmful free radicals. This contributes to overall health and is part of our commitment to quality and health.

Buying and Storing Almond Gum + Frequently Asked Questions

This section addresses common questions about almond gum, helping you buy and store it correctly.

Badam Pisin vs. Gond Katira: Don't Get Confused!

Many people wonder about badam pisin vs gond katira. While they look similar, they are not the same. Badam pisin comes from the sweet almond tree, whereas Gond Katira, also known as Tragacanth gum, is sap from the Astragalus plant. They are often confused but have different origins.

Feature

Badam Pisin (Almond Gum)

Gond Katira (Tragacanth Gum)

Source Tree

Sweet Almond Tree (Prunus amygdalus)

Astragalus Plant species

Appearance

Pale yellow to brownish crystals

Whitish or pale yellow flakes/crystals

Common Use

Cooling drinks and desserts

Thickening agent, cooling drinks

Where to Buy and What to Look For

When wondering where to buy badam pisin, look for it in local traditional stores, often called "Nattu Marundhu Kadai" in Southern India. It is also widely available online. When you buy almond gum, look for clean, translucent pieces that are free from any dirt or debris.

Storage Tips

Properly storing almond gum is key to maintaining its quality.

  • Raw Gum: Keep the hard, raw almond gum in an airtight container. Store it in a cool, dark, and dry place.
  • Soaked Jelly: The soaked, jelly-like gum should be stored in the refrigerator in a covered container. It will last for up to 4 days.

Frequently Asked Questions about Almond Gum

Q1. Can I eat almond gum daily?

Yes, you can eat almond gum daily but in small, moderate amounts after it has been properly soaked.

Q2. How much badam pisin can I take per day?

A common serving is 1-2 tablespoons of the soaked jelly per day.

Q3. Does badam pisin increase weight?

When consumed with high-calorie liquids like sweetened milk, badam pisin can contribute to weight gain because it's high in carbohydrates.

Q4. Does badam pisin reduce weight?

Yes, it can aid in weight loss. When taken with water or low-calorie drinks, its high fiber content promotes a feeling of fullness, which can help reduce overall food intake.

Q5. What is the taste of almond gum?

Almond gum is virtually tasteless and odorless, which allows it to absorb the flavors of the ingredients it's mixed with.

Q6. Is almond gum good for skin?

Yes, almond gum is considered good for the skin. Its hydrating properties and antioxidants can help improve skin texture and health.

Q7. Can pregnant women eat badam pisin?

Some traditional practices suggest that pregnant women can eat badam pisin in moderation, as it may help strengthen the body. However, it's always best to consult a doctor first.

Q8. What is the English name for badam pisin?

The English name for badam pisin is Almond Gum.

Q9. Can you use almond gum without soaking?

No, you cannot use almond gum without soaking. It is very hard in its raw form and must be soaked overnight to become soft and jelly-like.

Q10. How long does soaked badam pisin last?

Soaked badam pisin can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days in a covered container.

Q11. What are the side effects of badam pisin?

Overconsumption may lead to digestive issues like bloating or loose stools due to its high fiber content. In rare cases, people with nut allergies might have a reaction.

Q12. Is badam pisin and gum arabic the same?

No, they are different. Badam pisin is from the almond tree, while gum arabic comes from the Acacia tree.

Q13. Can you use badam pisin in hot milk?

Yes, you can use it in hot or warm milk. It will dissolve well and create a thick, creamy texture.

Q14. Is almond gum good for reducing body heat?

Yes, its primary traditional use is as a natural coolant to help reduce body heat.

Q15. Where does almond gum come from?

Almond gum is the natural sap that comes from the bark of the sweet almond tree.

Ready to Try These Cooling Almond Gum Recipes?

You now have a complete guide to almond gum. This versatile ingredient is healthy, cooling, and easy to use. You have everything you need to enjoy delicious badam pisin in refreshing drinks and delightful desserts. It's time to try some of these fantastic almond gum recipes. Feel free to share your experience in the comments and explore more healthy products from Krishival.