Kashmir is famous for its best-quality dry fruits, rich in taste, aroma, and nutritional value. These dry fruits come from the abundant orchards of Kashmir, known for producing a variety of fruits such as almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and apricots. Kashmiri dry fruits are a healthy snack because they are rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. They are also low in calories and high in fibre, making them great for weight management.
Additionally, they are a good source of antioxidants that help protect the body from free radical damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. You can either buy Kashmiri dry fruits online or you can prefer buying from offline dry fruit shops once you visit Kashmir. Given below is a list of delicious dry fruits that you must buy.
1. Almonds (Badam):
The ‘King of Dry Fruits’ Badam is grown here in the early spring, which creates stunning landscapes in and around the orchards. It comes bearing a message of optimism and perseverance. Flowers in Kashmir are in full bloom throughout the valley during the spring. The almond flower is stunning and comes in pink or white varieties.
Kashmiri almonds are known for their unique taste, texture, and health benefits. They are smaller than regular almonds but have a sweeter and more delicate flavour. Kashmiri Badams improve blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Kashmiri almonds are abundant in antioxidants, vitamin E, and other minerals. They are a rich source of proteins, fibre, and vital fatty acids. They find use in various beauty and skincare products due to their moisturizing and nourishing properties.
2. Walnuts (Dooyn):
One of the best quality dry fruits, Walnut, also known as Doon, is grown in the Kashmiri regions of Kupwara and Shopian. They are collected in the fall (mid-September to early November). Kashmiri walnuts are known for their excellent quality and delectable flavour. Proteins, lipids, minerals, and vitamin B are all abundant in walnuts.
In addition, we can use and benefit from every single part of the tree. Its solid timber helps in making wood sculptures. The walnut tree leaves cure irritation of the eyes, skin conditions, and low appetite. Walnut shells are valuable to the industry. Gathering the fruit is exceedingly cumbersome. The farmer must climb to the top of the tree and use a long stick to beat the fruit-bearing branch. After washing the fruit and then drying outside for a week, it is sent for packaging.
3. Dried Figs:
One of the first fruits that humans have grown is the fig. The fruit is available in purple, green, and yellow hues. Although it is a seasonal fruit, its dried versions are procurable all year round in Kashmir. The flavour of dried figs is distinctive and irresistible. Both fresh and dried figs are edible. Figs also make delectable jams.
Dried figs provide many advantages for your health. They guard against hypertension, cardiovascular problems, and coronary heart conditions. Dried figs are beneficial for diabetic individuals and aid in bone building. They prevent colon and breast cancer. Figs are helpful for patients with anaemia. They are beneficial for weight loss as they are low-calorie foods.
4. Black raisins (Khoobani):
The valley that produces a variety of exquisite and best-quality dry fruits also produces the delicacy of apricots. The fruit is spherical and yellowish-orange; it resembles peaches in appearance but is smaller; it also has a sharper flavour. They are grown in early May through June. The production of apricots has increased in Kashmir over the past few years, and each year their quality improves. They are available in fresh and dried forms.
The dried one (Tser) is in high demand on auspicious occasions. Dried apricots are delicious, healthy, and offer numerous advantages. Because they contain calcium, they aid in strengthening bones. They alleviate muscle cramps as well. This fruit is a healthy, low-calorie addition for those trying to lose weight. They are also high in potassium, vitamin C, and A.
5. Black raisins (Zeerish):
The local term for black raisins in Kashmir is “Zeerish,”. These raisins typically don’t have seeds and have a sweet flavour. They find use in a wide range of bakery items like cookies, cakes, and pies due to their inherent sweetness. Black raisins find their use in several conventional medical procedures, including the treatment of coughs and respiratory tract inflammation.
Black raisins support healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. They also help in gum and cavity prevention, diabetes management, brain enhancement, digestion control, and diabetes management. Regular consumption of black raisins might be very beneficial to your health. They are a great source of polyphenols and dietary fibre, which keep our heart health in check. Black raisins are a fantastic way to maintain healthy gums and teeth in your diet.
6. Cashews (Kaju):
Kashmiri cashews are one of the best quality dry fruits of Kashmir. They are rich in flavour and have a hard texture with a nutty flavour. The cashew plant was originally from northeast Brazil, but between 1560 and 1565, the Portuguese brought it to Goa, India, where it quickly spread throughout Southeast Asia and Africa. Minerals like copper, magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese are abundant in cashews.
Moreover, there is a sizable amount of iron, potassium, zinc, and selenium. The flavour of cashews makes them a delightful snack and a terrific protein substitute. Kashmiri cashews are a diverse and nutritious meal. It is one of the few foods that are high in copper. Copper, manganese, and calcium produce healthy bones and fend off osteoporosis.
7. Pistachios:
Kashmiri pistachios are famous for their premium quality and distinct flavour, making them highly sought after in the global market. These pistachios grow in the mountainous area of Kashmir and are famous for their distinctive size, flavour, and nutritional value. Kashmiri pistachios have a rich green colour and a delicate buttery flavour that sets them apart from other pistachio varieties. They are also large compared to other pistachios.
Kashmiri pistachios are not only delicious but also offer numerous health benefits. Pistachios are a good source of protein, fibre, and healthy fats, making them an ideal snack for people wanting to maintain a healthy diet. They contain antioxidants that help to protect the body from free radical damage and prevent chronic diseases.
8. Dried Apples:
Farmers in the region carefully handpick apples for drying to preserve their flavour and nutritional value, making dried apples of Kashmir a popular delicacy enjoyed worldwide. They slice the apples into thin pieces and sun-dry or dehydrate them using low heat. The resulting product is a sweet chewy snack rich in vitamins and fibre.
Many local dishes and desserts use dried apples of Kashmir, adding a unique flavour and texture to the recipe. Additionally, hikers and travellers favour them for their long shelf life and ease of portability as nutritious and tasty snacks. Overall, dried apples of Kashmir reflect the region’s rich agricultural heritage and remain a delicious and healthy treat enjoyed by people globally.
9. Prunes (Aaloo Bukhara):
Kashmir is famous for its unique variety of prunes. Prunes are known for their distinct taste, soft texture, and dark colour. Aaloo Bukhara grows in the fertile soil of the Kashmir Valley, surrounded by the Himalayas. They require abundant sunlight. Kashmiri prunes are also known as “Aaloo Bukhara. Their harvesting takes place in late summer and early autumn.
Drying them naturally in the sun preserves their flavour and nutrients. These prunes go into traditional Kashmiri dishes, such as Rogan Josh, Dum Aaloo, and Yakhni. Apart from being a popular ingredient in Kashmiri cuisine, these prunes are also famous for their health benefits. They are a rich source of dietary fibre, vitamins, and minerals, which help in digestion, boost immunity, and prevent chronic diseases.
10. Dried Cranberries:
Dried cranberries from Kashmir are a delicious and nutritious snack. The region is famous for its abundant cranberry production. The harvesting of the fruit takes place in late summer and early fall. Dried cranberries of Kashmir are made by drying fresh cranberries in the sun or using dehydrators. The dried fruit is tart, sweet, and chewy, with a unique flavour making it different from other dried fruits. They are often used as a topping for salads, oatmeal, and yoghurt and are also popular ingredients in goods like muffins and bread.
In addition to their delicious taste, dried cranberries of Kashmir are dense in nutrients. Dried cranberries are a good source of fibre, antioxidants, and vitamins C and E. They also contain beneficial plant compounds that may help reduce inflammation and protect against certain diseases.
Dry Fruit Stores or Dry Fruit shops in Kashmir:
1. Wani Dry Fruits: Located in Srinagar, Wani Dry fruits is a store that sells a variety of dry fruits, including almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and more.
2. Kashmir Online Store: Kashmir Online Store is an online platform that offers a wide range of dry fruits and other traditional Kashmiri products, including saffron and shilajit. You can buy dry fruits online by visiting their website.
3. Amin-Bin-Khalik & Sons: Amin-Bin-Khalik & Sons is one of Srinagar’s oldest and most well-known dry fruit stores.
4. Kashmir Box: Kashmir Box is another popular online dry fruit store for dry fruit online shopping. Kashmir Box offers a range of traditional Kashmiri products, including dry fruits, handicrafts, and clothing
5. Royal Dry Fruits: Located on Residency Road, Srinagar, Royal Dry Fruits is a popular store that offers various dry fruits and nuts, including figs, apricots, almonds, and more.
