Dry Fruits Name in English and Hindi: Healthy Snacking Essentials

In every Indian home, dry fruits have a special place. From garnishing desserts to being gifted during festivals to being a part of our daily breakfast or snack routine, they are an integral part of our culture and nutrition. But how many times have we come across names of dry fruits name in English and paused to think, “What do we call this in Hindi?” Whether you are shopping online, reading nutrition labels, helping your kids with homework, or simply trying to eat healthy, knowing the dry fruits name in English and Hindi can be super useful.

This guide is for every Indian: homemakers, students, fitness enthusiasts, and foodies to understand, recognize, and use the most common and beneficial dry fruits in daily life. Along with the names, we will explore their health benefits, traditional significance, and how they are used in Indian households.

Let’s start by understanding what are dry fruits.

What Are Dry Fruits?

Dry fruits are fruits from which the original water content has been removed naturally or through methods like sun-drying or dehydration. These include both naturally dry fruits name like almonds, walnuts, and cashews, and dried fruits like raisins, apricots, and dates. They are nutrient-dense, calorie-rich, and packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.

In India, dry fruits are not just a food item; they are a tradition. They are gifted during weddings and Diwali, added to kheer and halwa, eaten during fasts, or even soaked overnight and consumed in the morning for better digestion and energy. Knowing dry fruits name in both English and Hindi bridges the knowledge gap and helps us make informed choices at home and in the market.

Why This Guide is Important

While urban Indians are comfortable with the English dry fruit names, a large number of people, especially elders and those in small towns, still relate more to the Hindi names. Moreover, students often come across charts in school with dry fruits name in English, but are never taught what they are called in local languages. This guide helps in multiple ways:

• Builds food vocabulary for bilingual households
• Helps health-conscious buyers and nutrition learners
• Makes festive shopping and recipe planning easier across languages

Let’s now explore the most common dry fruits name, along with their names in English and Hindi, health benefits, descriptions, and typical Indian uses.

1. Cashew – काजू (Kaju)

English Name: Cashew
Hindi Name: काजू (Kaju)

Description: Cashews are kidney-shaped nuts with a creamy texture and mild flavor. They are super popular in Indian cooking and sweets.

Benefits:

• Rich in magnesium and healthy fats
• Good for heart
• Boosts energy
• Strengthens bones

Common Uses in India:

• Roasted and salted as a snack
• Used in kaju katli and other festival sweets
• Blended into curry bases
• Fried and added to pulao and biryani

2. Walnut – अखरोट (Akhrot)

English Name: Walnut
Hindi Name: अखरोट (Akhrot)

Description: Walnuts have a hard shell and a brain-like appearance once opened. They are slightly bitter but rich in oil and flavor. Often eaten raw or chopped, walnuts are a winter and fasting favourite.

Benefits:

• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
• Good for brain and heart
• Reduces inflammation
• Improves memory and cognitive function

Common Uses in India:

• Added to cakes and brownies
• Mixed into oatmeal or porridge
• Chopped and sprinkled over halwa and kheer
• Eaten raw for brain nourishment during exams or mental work

3. Raisin – किशमिश (Kishmish)

English Name: Raisin
Hindi Name: किशमिश (Kishmish)

Description: Raisins are dried grapes, small in size and often golden or black in colour. They are naturally sweet and chewy. Raisins are one of the most affordable and widely consumed dry fruits in Indian homes.

Benefits:

• Treats anemia
• Rich in iron and natural sugars
• Boosts energy and reduces fatigue
• Good for digestion and relieves constipation

Common Uses in India:

• Mixed into sweet dishes like suji halwa, pulao and payasam
• Used in laddoos and barfis
• Soaked and eaten as a remedy for iron deficiency

4. Almond – बादाम (Badam)

English Name: Almond
Hindi Name: बादाम (Badam)

Description: Almonds are oval-shaped, brown-skinned dry fruits with a white interior. They are eaten raw, soaked overnight, or added to Indian sweets like badam halwa and sheera.

Benefits:

• Improves brain function
• Good for skin and hair
• Rich in Vitamin E and antioxidants
• Regulates blood sugar

Common Uses in India:

• Added to desserts like kheer, barfi and laddoos
• Ground into a paste for curries like shahi paneer
• Used in drinks like thandai and badam milk
• Soaked and eaten first thing in the morning

5. Pistachio – पिस्ता (Pista)

English Name: Pistachio
Hindi Name: पिस्ता (Pista)

Description: Pistachios are small, green nuts with a mild sweet flavor, usually encased in a beige shell. They are one of the more luxurious dry fruits in India, often associated with weddings, sweets and royal desserts.

Benefits:

• Rich in protein and fiber
• Good for eye health due to lutein
• Antioxidants that reduce cell damage
• Good for weight loss

Common Uses in India:

• Crushed and sprinkled over kulfi, rabri, and kheer
• Used in pista barfi and pista rolls
• Blended into ice cream and milkshakes
• Gifted in decorative boxes during special occasions

6. Date – खजूर (Khajoor)

English Name: Date
Hindi Name: खजूर (Khajoor)

Description: Dates are sweet, fleshy fruits with soft, sticky texture and caramel like taste. They are grown in hot climates and have been part of Indian diet for centuries. Dates are naturally energizing and are often consumed during Ramadan to break fast.

Benefits:

• Packed with natural sugars and energy
• Supports digestive health
• Rich in potassium and fiber
• Helps in recovery after fasting or illness

Common Uses in India:

• Stuffed with nuts and served as dessert
• Added to dry fruit laddoos or energy balls
• Eaten whole as a natural sweetener or snack
• Blended into milk or smoothies for an energy boost

7. Apricot – खुबानी (Khubani)

English Name: Apricot
Hindi Name: खुबानी (Khubani)

Description: Dried apricots are golden orange in color, soft in texture and slightly tangy in taste. They are commonly sourced from regions like Ladakh and Kashmir and are rich in nutrients that are good for skin and eyes.

Benefits:

• Boosts digestion
• High in Vitamin A and beta-carotene
• Rich in antioxidants and iron
• Good for eye and skin health

Common Uses in India:

• Eaten directly as a snack
• Blended into smoothies and yogurt bowls* Soaked and used in sweet dishes like khubani ka meetha
• Served with cream or nuts in festive desserts

8. Pine Nut – चिलगोजा (Chilgoza)

English Name: Pine Nut
Hindi Name: चिलगोजा (Chilgoza)

Description: Pine nuts are small, elongated seeds from pine cones. They are creamy in texture and slightly sweet. Native to the Himalayan region, especially in Jammu and Kashmir, they are one of the most expensive dry fruits in the Indian market.

Benefits:

• Boosts energy levels
• Good for heart and brain
• Improves skin texture and glow

Common Uses in India:

• Eaten raw or lightly toasted
• Sprinkled over rich gravies and Mughlai dishes
• Used in traditional Kashmiri recipes
• Blended into nut pastes for royal curries

9. Fox Nut – मखाना (Makhana)

English Name: Fox Nut
Hindi Name: मखाना (Makhana)

Description: Also known as lotus seeds, fox nuts are white, round and puffed dry fruits. They are light, crunchy, and often roasted for a healthy snack. Popular in North India, especially during Navratri fasting, makhana are low in calories and easy to digest.

Benefits:

• Good for diabetic and heart patients
• Supports kidney function
• Helps in controlling blood sugar levels

Common Uses in India:

• Added to kheer and curries for extra texture
• Consumed during fasting as a sattvic food
• Dry-roasted with ghee and black salt as an evening snack
• Ground and used in fasting-friendly flours

10. Fig – अंजीर (Anjeer)

English Name: Fig
Hindi Name: अंजीर (Anjeer)

Description: Figs are bell shaped fruits with chewy texture and crunchy seeds inside. Dried figs are golden brown and slightly sticky, known for their natural sweet taste and medicinal properties. In Indian households they are often eaten during winters or soaked overnight for morning consumption.

Benefits:

• Rich in calcium and iron
• Promotes digestive health
• Helps in blood pressure
• Strengthens bones and improves blood circulation

Common Uses in India:

• Soaked and eaten in the morning for better digestion
• Added to dry fruit mixes and health bars
• Used in anjeer halwa or barfi
• Recommended as part of diet for anemic individuals

Dry Fruits in Indian Culture and Traditions

Dry fruits are not just healthy; they are an integral part of Indian traditions, rituals and celebrations. From birth to weddings, from fasting days to festive feasts, dry fruits are present in every stage of life. They go beyond health; they symbolize prosperity, good health, and care.

Gifting Dry Fruits During Festivals

In India, dry fruits are a popular and respected gift item, especially during big festivals like Diwali, Eid, Raksha Bandhan, and Christmas. Gifting dry fruits means abundance and well-being and is seen as a healthy alternative to sweets. Boxes of almonds, cashews, raisins, and pistachios, beautifully packed with decorative elements, are exchanged among families, friends, and business associates.

This is a thoughtful and classy gesture. It also makes dry fruits a big part of India’s seasonal markets and corporate gifting trends.

Dry Fruits and Indian Fasting Rituals

During fasting days like Navratri, Shivratri, and Ekadashi, many Indians avoid grains and turn to dry fruits for nutrition. Foods prepared during fasts include roasted makhana, laddoos made with anjeer and dates, and soaked almonds. These foods are considered sattvic, meaning pure, energizing, and easily digestible.

Soaked raisins, dates, and figs are often eaten before starting the fast or to break it at sunset as they provide quick energy without spiking blood sugar levels too rapidly.

Use in Ayurveda and Traditional Healing

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, recommends dry fruits for their healing and balancing properties. Each dry fruits name is associated with specific doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and is often prescribed in specific forms like soaked, boiled ,or ground with herbs.

For example:

• Almonds are good for Vata and brain.
• Raisins are for Pitta and digestive issues.
• Dates are for strength and immunity.

Dry Fruits Names in Indian Cooking Indian cuisine uses dry fruits in sweet and savory dishes. Their richness adds flavor and texture to everything from rice dishes to gravies and desserts. Here are a few ways they appear in our daily meals: * Kheer, Sheera, and Halwa are topped with almonds, cashews, and raisins.

• Pulao and Biryani sometimes have fried nuts and raisins as a topping.
• Paneer gravies like shahi paneer or korma use cashew or almond paste as a thickener.
• Thandai and Badam Milk are flavored with a mix of dry fruits and spices.

In some homes, especially in winters, people make a homemade mix of chopped dry fruits with ghee and jaggery which is eaten daily to boost immunity and energy.

How to Introduce Dry Fruits to Kids

Kids can be picky eaters and introducing dry fruits into their diet requires some creativity. Thankfully dry fruits are naturally yummy so with a few small tricks they can be enjoyed by kids of all ages.

Simple Tips to Get Kids to Eat Dry Fruits:

• Soak almonds and raisins overnight and give them first thing in the morning
• Use dry fruits in homemade energy balls with jaggery or dates
• Add chopped nuts into rotis, parathas or dosa fillings
• Chop pistachios and cashews finely and mix them into milk, porridge or cereals
• Give fox nuts roasted with a pinch of salt as a school tiffin snack
• Blend soaked figs or dates into smoothies for natural sweetness

Many Indian parents also make a dry fruit powder at home using almonds, cashews, pistachios, and cardamom. This powder can be mixed into warm milk or porridge to add nutrition without affecting the taste.

Introducing dry fruits early helps in developing healthy eating habits and boosts kids’ immunity, concentration, and stamina, especially during exams or seasonal changes.

How to Store Dry Fruits in Indian Homes

Dry fruits can spoil quickly if not stored properly, especially in humid or hot regions of India. To keep them fresh and safe follow these storage tips:

• Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Don’t mix different dry fruits in one container as they have different shelf life
• Store in airtight containers to avoid moisture
• Refrigerate nuts like walnuts and pine nuts to prevent them from turning rancid
• Buy in small quantities if your home doesn’t have a refrigerator, especially during summer

Combining Dry Fruits for Maximum Benefits

While each dry fruits name has its own health profile, combining them in the right proportion can enhance their overall impact. Indian households prepare dry fruit mixes that are more than just yummy snacks; they are nutritional blends that support immunity, energy, and mental clarity.

Here are some powerful dry fruit combinations:

1. Figs, Dates and Apricots: This blend is good for digestion and hemoglobin. Figs are rich in fiber, dates offer instant energy, and apricots provide iron and Vitamin A. This is good for people recovering from illness or fatigue.
2. Almonds, Walnuts and Raisins: This is a popular trio for brain health. Almonds and walnuts support memory and focus, while raisins offer natural sugars and iron. This combination is recommended for students and working professionals.**

3. Makhana with Almonds: Makhana is light and crunchy, almonds are rich. Together they make a great pre-workout or evening snack.
4. Cashews and Pistachios: Both are rich in healthy fats and protein. This pair is good for people who want to gain weight in a healthy way or need energy throughout the day.

Homemade Dry Fruit Recipes for Indian Kitchens

You don’t need fancy ingredients to make healthy snacks with dry fruits. Here are some simple, traditional recipes you can make in under 30 minutes:

1. Dry Fruit Laddoos:

• Ingredients: Dates, figs, almonds, cashews, walnuts, and raisins.
• Method: Blend dates and figs to form a sticky base. Chop or crush the nuts and mix well. Roll into small balls. No sugar or ghee is needed as the dates naturally bind the mixture.

2. Dry Fruit Chikki:

• Ingredients: Jaggery, almonds, cashews, and pistachios.
• Method: Melt jaggery into a thick syrup, mix in roasted dry fruits, and spread the mixture onto a greased surface. Let it cool and break into bite-sized pieces.

3. Makhana Fry:

• Ingredients: Makhana, ghee, salt, and pepper.
• Method: Heat ghee in a pan, roast makhana until crisp, then add salt and pepper. Store in an airtight container for a crunchy, low-calorie snack.

4. Badam Milk:

• Ingredients: Soaked almonds, cardamom, saffron, and milk.
• Method: Grind soaked almonds with a little milk to form a paste. Boil this in milk with cardamom and saffron until well blended. Sweeten with jaggery or a few raisins.

Common Myths and Facts About Dry Fruits in India

Despite the benefits, many myths surround dry fruit consumption. Let’s bust some of the most common ones:

• Myth: Soaking is not necessary.
  Fact: Soaking nuts like almonds makes them easier to digest and increases nutrient availability. Soaked raisins and figs are also better for digestion.
• Myth: Eating dry fruits causes weight gain.
  Fact: Overeating anything can cause weight gain. But dry fruits in moderation actually support metabolism and help in managing cravings.
• Myth: Diabetics should not eat dry fruits.
  Fact: Diabetics should not eat added sugar dry fruits, but unsweetened dry fruits like almonds, walnuts, and pistachios in small amounts are good.

Seasonal Tips for Dry Fruits in India

India’s climate is so diverse that our dietary habits change with the seasons and dry fruits are no exception. Eating the right dry fruits at the right time of the year helps to balance the body with the external environment.

Winter:

This is the best time to increase your dry fruit intake. Body needs more energy and warmth and dry fruits provide both. Focus on walnuts, dates, figs and almonds. You can eat them raw, mix them into halwa or combine them with ghee and jaggery for winter laddoos.

Summer:

Choose lighter options that cool the body. Soaked raisins and soaked almonds are good. Avoid eating too many cashews or walnuts in the heat as they can produce internal warmth. Pistachios in moderation are fine. Add dry fruits to chilled drinks like thandai or badam milk.

Monsoon:

Digestive system can be slow during the rainy season. Stick to soaked dry fruits and consume in small amounts. Makhana is good as it is light, easy to digest and roasted with minimal ghee or salt.

Matching dry fruits name consumption with the season not only improves digestion and absorption but also enhances their impact on energy and immunity.

How to Buy Good Quality Dry Fruits in India

Dry fruits name are available everywhere in local markets, supermarkets and online stores in India. But the quality varies greatly and choosing the right one can be tricky. Here are some tips to shop smart:

Check for Freshness:

Always check the packaging date if buying packed dry fruits. For loose ones, examine them closely. They should be whole, not shriveled or discolored, and should not have a musty or oily smell.

Avoid Artificial Polish:

Some vendors coat dry fruits with oil or artificial shine to make them look fresh. Choose natural-looking dry fruits with no unnecessary gloss.

Prefer Vacuum-Sealed or Airtight Packaging:

This prevents moisture from entering and helps to retain freshness longer, especially during the humid months.

Check for Certification:

For packed products, look for FSSAI certification, organic labels, or ISO-certified brands if you are buying online.

Buy from Local Vendors:

Many Indian families have a go to dry fruit shop they trust. These vendors often give better deals, seasonal discounts, and more honest product quality than mass market brands.

Whether you shop in Chandni Chowk, Crawford Market, New Market in Kolkata, or through online platforms like BigBasket and Amazon, remember that dry fruits are a long-term investment in your family’s health. A little care in selecting them ensures you get value for money and avoid any health risks from adulterated or expired products.

Buy in Small Quantities:

Especially during summer or monsoon seasons, it’s better to buy in small quantities to avoid wastage. You can always replenish as needed.

In a Nutshell

Dry fruits are an important part of Indian tradition, medicine, and everyday food culture. Knowing the dry fruits name in English and Hindi not only builds food literacy but also helps families make better nutrition choices.

From the soaked almonds our grandparents swear by to the raisins in our kheer, from the fried makhanas we eat during fasts to the cashews that add to our gravies, dry fruits are a part of every Indian life: emotionally, spiritually, and nutritionally.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1. What are 10 dry fruits?