Ajwa Dates are a specific variety of dates known for their unique properties and cultural significance. Ajwa Dates are primarily cultivated in the city of Al-Madinah (Medina) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Ajwa Dates are small to medium-sized with a dark brown to almost black colour. They have a wrinkled skin and a distinctive oval shape. Ajwa Dates are known for their potential health benefits, including being rich in natural sugars for a quick energy boost, containing essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iron, and having dietary fibre for digestive health. Ajwa Dates are a good source of various vitamins and minerals, contributing to overall well-being. They are often regarded as a nutritious and wholesome snack.
Almonds are nutritious nuts that come from the Prunus dulcis tree. Almonds are packed with nutrients, including healthy fats, protein, fibre, vitamins (such as vitamin E and some B vitamins), and minerals (including magnesium and potassium). Almonds are considered a brain-boosting food due to their vitamin E content, which is an antioxidant that may help protect brain cells. Almonds contain vitamin E and antioxidants that may promote skin health, helping to nourish and protect the skin from oxidative damage.
Anjir, commonly known as figs, is a fruit that comes from the Ficus carica tree. Figs have a tender, chewy texture and a sweet, honey-like flavour. The inside is filled with tiny, crunchy seeds. Figs are pear-shaped or bell-shaped fruits with a unique internal structure. They can have a green, yellow, purple, or black exterior, depending on the variety. Common varieties of figs include Black Mission, Brown Turkey, Kadota, and Calimyrna. Each variety may have a slightly different flavour profile and colour.
Black currants are small, dark purple to black berries that come from the Ribes nigrum plant. Black currants belong to the Ribes genus and are the fruit of the black currant shrub (Ribes nigrum). They are native to Europe and Asia. Black currants have a unique flavour that is sweet and tart, making them suitable for various culinary applications. Black currants are rich in vitamin C, providing more than double the amount found in oranges. They also contain other essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Blueberries are small, sweet, and nutrient-rich berries that belong to the Vaccinium genus. Blueberries are members of the Vaccinium family, which also includes cranberries and bilberries. The two main varieties are highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) and lowbush or wild blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium). Blueberries have a sweet and slightly tart flavour, making them a popular choice for both fresh consumption and various culinary applications. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which contribute to their vibrant colour. They also provide essential vitamins (such as vitamin C and vitamin K), dietary fibre, and minerals
Brazil nuts are large nuts that come from the Brazil nut tree, native to the Amazon rainforest in South America. Brazil nuts are large, triangular-shaped nuts encased in a hard, woody shell. Each shell contains several seeds, known as Brazil nuts. Brazil nuts have a rich, creamy flavour with a mild sweetness. They have a smooth, buttery texture and a slightly chewy consistency. Brazil nuts are a nutritional powerhouse, rich in healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats and omega-6 fatty acids. They are an excellent source of selenium, a mineral with antioxidant properties. Brazil nuts also contain essential nutrients like magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin E.
“Jardalu” is a term used for dried apricots in Hindi. Apricots, including Jardalu, are stone fruits that belong to the Prunus family. They are dried to extend their shelf life and create a sweet and flavorful snack. Dried apricots, or Jardalu, have a chewy and slightly sticky texture. They are naturally sweet with a concentrated apricot flavour. Jardalu is a good source of essential nutrients, including dietary fibre, vitamins (such as vitamin A and vitamin C), and minerals (such as potassium and iron). Dried apricots can be enjoyed on their own as a snack or used in various culinary applications. They are often added to cereals, trail mixes, baked goods, and desserts.
Trail mix typically includes a mix of nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and peanuts, seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, and a variety of dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or apricots. Trail mix is a nutrient-dense snack, providing a mix of healthy fats, protein, dietary fibre, vitamins, and minerals. The combination of nuts and dried fruits offers a satisfying and energizing snack.
Cashews, commonly known as “Kaju” in many South Asian countries, are seeds that originate from the cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale). Cashews are native to northeastern Brazil but are now grown in various tropical regions worldwide. Despite being commonly referred to as nuts, cashews are technically seeds. The cashew nut is the kidney-shaped part attached to the cashew apple. Cashews have a rich, buttery flavour and a creamy texture. They can be enjoyed roasted, raw, or as part of processed products like cashew butter.
Chia seeds are small, nutrient-dense seeds derived from the Salvia hispanica plant. Chia seeds are a nutritional powerhouse, containing omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, protein, antioxidants, vitamins (especially B vitamins), and minerals (including calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium). Chia seeds can absorb many times their weight in water, forming a gel-like consistency. This unique property helps keep you hydrated and promotes a feeling of fullness. Chia seeds are one of the richest plant-based sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid. These fatty acids are essential for heart health and cognitive function.
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are edible seeds belonging to the legume family. Chickpeas are one of the oldest cultivated legumes and are widely used in various cuisines around the world. Chickpeas are a good source of plant-based protein, dietary fibre, vitamins (especially B vitamins), and minerals (including iron, phosphorus, and magnesium). The high fibre content in chickpeas supports digestive health, regulates blood sugar levels, and helps with weight management.
Coconut powder is a versatile ingredient made from the dried, ground flesh of mature coconuts. Coconut powder is produced by drying and grinding the white, inner flesh of mature coconuts. The resulting powder retains the natural flavour and aroma of coconut. Coconut powder is finely ground, resulting in a powdery and soft texture. It is distinct from desiccated coconut, which has a coarser texture. Coconut powder imparts a rich and intense coconut flavour to dishes. It has a sweet and nutty taste, enhancing both sweet and savoury recipes.
Cranberries are small, tart berries that belong to the Vaccinium genus. Cranberries are the fruit of evergreen shrubs in the Vaccinium genus, primarily Vaccinium macrocarpon, native to North America. Cranberries have a tart and slightly bitter taste, which makes them suitable for a variety of culinary applications. Cranberries are rich in vitamin C, dietary fibre, and antioxidants. They are known for their potential health benefits, including supporting urinary tract health. Cranberries have become a versatile ingredient in both sweet and savoury dishes, and their tartness adds a unique flavour to various culinary creations. Whether enjoyed fresh, dried or in juice form, cranberries are a popular and flavorful addition to many recipes.
Dried fruits are fruits from which the majority of the water content has been removed through various drying methods. Numerous fruits can be dried, including grapes (raisins), apricots, plums, figs, apples, dates, mangoes, and more. Each dried fruit retains its unique flavour and nutritional profile. Drying can be achieved through natural sun drying, dehydration using air or heat, or freeze-drying. The method employed influences the texture and taste of the dried fruit. While some nutrients are lost during the drying process, dried fruits still contain essential vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants. They can contribute to a nutrient-rich diet.
A dry fruit combo typically refers to a combination or assortment of different dried fruits presented as a packaged or curated set. Dry fruit combos often include a mix of different dried fruits such as almonds, cashews, walnuts, raisins, dates, figs, apricots, and pistachios. Dried fruits in the combo provide essential nutrients like fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are known for promoting overall health and well-being. Dry fruit combos are often presented in elegant packaging, making them not only a nutritious gift but also visually appealing and suitable for various occasions.
Dryfruit milk powder is a powdered beverage mix that combines the richness of milk with the flavours and nutritional benefits of various dry fruits. Dryfruit milk powder typically contains milk solids, sugar, and a blend of powdered dry fruits such as almonds, cashews, pistachios, and sometimes dried fruits like dates or figs. The inclusion of dry fruits adds nutritional value, providing essential nutrients like protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. It offers a convenient way to incorporate the goodness of dry fruits into the diet.