Dry Fruits

Overconsumption may lead to weight gain or allergies in some cases. You can have them every day as a healthy alternative to common snack items. Just a handful of mixed dry or dried fruits daily is good enough to curb hunger pangs and contains enough nutrients that you would need in the entire day. 

Dry Fruits vs Dried Fruits

While both may sound like the same thing and many people even use them interchangeably, there is a slight difference between the two. Dried fruits can be any fruit that has been dried naturally, sun drying or artificially through a mechanical process using a dehydrator. Dried fruits include raisins, apricots, cranberries, figs, peaches, apples, bananas, plums, prunes, tomatoes pineapples etc. They contain the same nutritional or caloric value as the undried fruit but lack the water content.

Dry fruits, on the other hand, are fruits that are not pulpy or succulent. There is a long list of dry fruits that one can consume on a daily basis for added fibre and protein in their diet. In comparison, dried fruits are much higher in calories and sugar level than dry fruits. Today, dry and dried fruits are both collectively referred to as dry fruits.

Dry Fruits Benefits 

1. Dry fruits are called Super Foods for being a rich source of nutrients, minerals, protein, vitamins, and healthy fats.

2. They are also rich in potassium, antioxidants, magnesium and that maintain normal blood pressure.

3. Almonds are known to be rich in fibre and antioxidants while having zero cholesterol.

4. They enhance the complexion, texture of the skin and strengthen the hair.

5. Almonds are also good for eyesight and make your memory strong.

6. Cashews are rich in Vitamin B6 and E. They are also a great source of fibre, protein, monounsaturated fat and potassium.

7. Walnuts are loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, proteins, fibres, and minerals while pistachios, raisins and dates are rich in vitamins and proteins.

8. Overall they are known to boost immunity, increase stamina and prevent lifestyle diseases including cholesterol and diabetes.

9. A tablespoon of powdered assorted dry and dried fruits mixed with a glass of water every day is great for boosting milk production in lactating mothers.

10. The grounded powder also helps replace lost energy and speeds up the healing process after childbirth.

Dry Fruits Side Effects

While dry fruits contain so many healthy nutrients, they also have a high content of saturated fats. This makes them high in calories and not suitable for people trying to lose weight. Those with heart problems, diabetes, obesity, gallstones, water retention and hypertension should also avoid them for the high caloric value. 

Best Time to Eat Dry Fruits

To gain maximum benefit from nuts, dry and dried fruits, the best time to consume them is in the morning. Add them to your breakfast as a natural remedy for lethargy, fatigue and for regulating blood pressure. Eating them in the morning will also give you a surge of energy that you need throughout the day to remain active. Traditionally, dry fruits are soaked in water overnight. The next morning, skin them before consuming to make them healthier. This reduces the level of saturated fats, making them more nutritious. 

Dry Fruits in Cooking

Dry and dried fruits are used in a variety of cuisines and condiments. Mughlai biryani consists of a variety of nuts and dried fruits like cashews, apricots, prunes etc. Almonds are frequently used in Pakistani cuisine for making almond milk or badam doodh, almond ice cream, koftas and several Mughlai dishes like badami firni, mughlai chicken with almonds etc.

Almonds are also used in preparing Marzipan, a confection made out of ground almonds. Pine nuts are used in pesto sauce or the Italian pignoli cookies. They are also great for sprinkling over your salad for adding a buttery and nutty flavour.

Traditional Indian and Pakistani sweets like Chikki use peanuts and jaggery to make a hard praline or Peanut Brittle. There are several versions of this candy with different dry fruits like pine nuts, pistachios, almonds etc. Another Pakistani dessert Kaju Katli is made out of cashew nuts and is counted amongst delicacies.

Dry Fruits Names in English & Urdu

Following is a list of most popular dry and dried fruits in Pakistan with their names in English as well as in Urdu.

1. Almonds - بادام - Badam

2. Brazil Nuts - جوز برازیل - Joze Brazil

3. Cashews - کاجو - Kaju

4. Hazelnut - فُندق - Fundaq

5. Walnuts - اخروٹ - Akhrot

6. Peanuts - مونگ پھلی - Mongphali

7. Pine Nuts - چلغوزا - Chilghoza

8. Pecans - امریکی اخروٹ - Amriki akhrot

9. Dates - کھجور - Khajoor

10. Fig - انجیر - Anjeer

11. Raisins - کشمش - Kishmish

12. Dried Dates - چھوہارا - Chuhwara

13. Lotus Seeds - پھول مکھانے - Phool makhane

14. Pistachio - پستہ - Pista

15. Coconut -  کھوپرا/ناریل - Nariyal/Khopra

Dry fruits prices in Pakistan vary depending on the item and you can easily buy separate as well as mixed dry fruits online in Pakistan. Make sure to buy the organic variety and not the salted and roasted ones as they can be stale. The roasting and salting are done to mask the stale taste. It is always better to buy from authentic and well-reputed suppliers such as Ahsan Dry Fruits, Ameer & Sons, Mewajaat and S N Dates on our website.