In 2023, the global dry fruit market was valued at $6.71 billion. It's expected to grow to $10.41 billion by 2032.
The reason for the growing popularity is the nutritional value and rich flavors that dry fruits offer. From being a healthy snack option to adding value to your dishes, dry fruits are used globally.
But if you want to experience the true essence and value of dry fruits, you need to be more conscious with your purchase.
For your well being, you must choose dry fruits sourced from the pristine Himalayan regions which are grown in clean, unpolluted environments.
Although dry fruits available in the nearby supermarket can be cheap, we don’t want you to compromise on your health for the sake of saving a few bucks.
So, let’s go through the best pahadi dry fruits you can choose while ditching the local ones.
Most Popular Pahadi Dry Fruits
There are multiple options available when you want to purchase pahadi dry fruits. But a few of them stand out because of the traditional farming techniques and sustainable harvesting methods employed in the Himalayas.
It gives these raw and authentic dry fruits a unique edge in both flavor and quality. Have a look:
1. Almonds From Kashmir
The most popular Pahadi dry fruits in India are almonds. There is a common slang in India that if someone has a habit of forgetting things, they are told to have almonds to sharpen their memory.
Kashmiri Badam Giri, also called Kashmiri almonds, are grown in the beautiful valleys of Kashmir, high above 5,000 feet. These almonds are known as the "King of Almonds" because of their amazing quality. They contain 16.5% protein and 41% healthy oils which makes them a great choice for nutrition. They are also 100% natural and non-GMO, meaning no chemicals or modifications are used.
These almonds grow naturally without any help from humans, only relying on the weather in the Kashmir region. It makes them better for the environment since they don't harm the soil or create pollution.
Kashmiri almonds are cholesterol-free and rich in important nutrients like phosphorus, which helps keep your bones and teeth strong, and magnesium, which is good for your overall health. They are a great snack, full of protein and fiber, and can also be used in different dishes to add flavor and nutrition.
2. Walnuts From Kashmir
Being one of the popular pahadi dry fruits, Kashmiri Akhrot Giri, also known as walnut kernels, come from the beautiful valley of Kashmir, a place famous for growing high-quality nuts. These walnuts have a special, rich flavor and are loaded with nutrients that are good for your health. They are full of healthy fats, like Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which help keep your heart healthy.
Walnuts have been valued for a long time, even being called "royal nuts" in the Byzantine Empire. The name "walnut" actually comes from old Germanic languages, meaning something foreign.
Kashmiri walnuts are grown in the peaceful hills of Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, at a high altitude.
They contain omega-3 fatty acids, especially alpha-linolenic acid, which is great for your heart, helping lower the risk of heart disease and keeping your heart beating normally. These walnuts are also full of antioxidants, which help fight aging and keep your body healthy.
3. Apricot Kernel From Himachal Pradesh
One of the famous dry fruits in Himachal Pradesh is Apricot Kernel or Kinnauri Gutti which looks like small almonds. When fresh, they are white, but as they dry, they turn light brown.
These kernels come from apricot trees in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, grown naturally at an altitude of 7,700 feet. The kernels are sun-dried, which helps them keep all their natural nutrients.
The apricot trees in Kinnaur grow without human help, relying only on the area's weather. This makes them better for the environment because they don’t contribute to pollution or harm the soil. Research highlighted in a 2022 study indicates that apricot kernels find use in creating cosmetics, medications, and oils.
According to the National Institutes of Health, these kernels are a good source of protein, fiber, and oil. The oil, which contains vitamin E, is known for being good for the skin and body.
The oil also contains important fatty acids, like stearic acid and linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid), which the body needs but can’t produce on its own.
4. Raisins
Raisins are dried grapes that pack a lot of nutrients into a small snack. These pahadi dry fruits are full of natural sugars, making them a sweet treat. They also provide important minerals like potassium, which helps control blood pressure and keep your heart healthy.
Being a popular dry fruit in India and Middle East, Raisins are good for your bones because of minerals like calcium and boron. Eating them can help make your bones stronger and lower the risk of bone problems like osteoporosis.
Raisins are rich in antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation in your body. This can protect you from diseases like heart disease, cancer, and arthritis.
5. Cashews
Cashews are creamy and sweet nuts that are full of healthy nutrients and are one of the best pahadi dry fruits. They are rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, as well as important vitamins and minerals. Cashews are a good source of magnesium, which helps keep your bones strong and controls blood pressure.
They are also high in zinc, which helps your immune system fight off infections. Eating cashews regularly can improve heart health, lower cholesterol, and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Cashews might even help you sleep better if eaten before bed. They are often used in sweet dishes or eaten raw with pahadi honey for an extra sweet treat.
Now that you know the best pahadi dry fruits you can avail, there are multiple reasons why you should choose himalayan dry fruits instead of local ones.
Pahadi Dry Fruits Vs Other Local Dry Fruits & Nuts
The rise in demand of dry fruits globally opened the gate for more adulteration and chemically grown dry fruits. But purchasing only naturally grown dry fruits in a pollution free himalayan environment is the best.
When comparing Pahadi Dry Fruits to other local varieties, such as those found in urban regions or plains, there are distinct differences in taste, quality, price, and benefits. Have a look:
1. Taste
Pahadi dry fruits, like Kashmiri almonds and Kinnauri apricot kernels, have a unique, rich flavor profile due to their growth in the pristine environments of the Himalayas.
These fruits are often grown without human intervention and benefit from the high-altitude, pure air, and mineral-rich soil, giving them a more intense and authentic flavor compared to other local dry fruits.
Local varieties grown in plains may lack this depth of flavor due to different climatic conditions.
2. Quality
Pahadi dry fruits are often considered of higher quality due to their natural farming methods and sustainable harvesting practices.
The absence of artificial enhancement or fertilizers ensures that they retain more nutrients.
Local varieties may sometimes rely on commercial farming methods to fulfill the demand which can affect both their nutrient content and purity.
3. Price
Given their premium quality and the fact that they are sourced from high-altitude regions with difficult accessibility, Pahadi Dry Fruits often come at a higher price compared to local dry fruits. The additional costs involved in harvesting and transportation from the remote regions of the Himalayas contribute to this price difference.
Also the quantity of himalayan dry fruits is limited as they are not manufactured in bulk like the local dry fruit available in your nearby supermarket.
4. Health Benefits
Pahadi dry fruits, such as Kashmiri walnuts and almonds, are richer in essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and antioxidants.
These help promote heart health, boost immunity, and reduce inflammation. Local dry fruits also offer benefits, but the nutrient density can be higher in Pahadi varieties due to the unaltered growing conditions
Where To Buy The Best Pahadi Dry Fruits?
For the best Pahadi dry fruits, look no further than Pahadi Amrut. Our brand is committed to offering premium quality dry fruits sourced directly from the pristine Himalayan regions.
Each batch is carefully inspected to ensure the highest standards of purity and freshness, which is why thousands of satisfied customers trust us for their dry fruit needs.
What makes us different is that we prioritize quality over quantity. Our dry fruits are available for a limited time each year due to the seasonal nature of the harvest.
We ensure our products are always fresh, natural, and packed with nutrients. Because we rely on traditional farming methods and natural growth cycles, the availability of high-quality dry fruits is limited.
Once our stock is sold out, we are unable to restock until the next harvest season.
Don’t Miss Out!
Due to the limited availability of high-quality dry fruits, our stock is only available for a short period each year.
Order your Pahadi dry fruits from Pahadi Amrut while supplies last!
