On this page

• What counts as a dry fruit?
• Nuts — names list
• Dried fruits — names list
• Dates — names list
• Seeds & superfoods — names list
• Rare & specialty items
• Nutrition comparison
• FAQs

What counts as a dry fruit?

In everyday South Asian usage, “dry fruit” (or khushk mewa) is a broad term that includes true nuts, dried whole fruits, dates, and edible seeds. Botanically these are different things — a walnut is a nut, a raisin is a dried grape, a date is a drupe, a pumpkin seed is a seed — but in the kitchen and the market they all sit together. This guide organises them into four practical families so you can find any item fast, in any language.

Nuts — complete names list

Almonds, cashews and walnuts are the everyday staples; chilgoza and Brazil nuts are the premium picks. We cover almonds in depth in our almonds buying guide.

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Almonds, cashews, pistachios, chilgoza, brazil nuts & more — fresh and sealed.

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Dried fruits — complete names list

Figs and apricots are the most-loved dried fruits here, both excellent soaked overnight. Raisins and munakka come from the same fruit (grapes) at different sizes and drying styles.

Dates (Khajoor) — names list

There are dozens of date varieties — we break down which to buy for what (iftar, gifting, everyday) in our complete dates guide.

Seeds & superfoods — complete names list

Seeds are the fastest-growing “superfood” category — chia, flax and pumpkin seeds are popular for fibre and healthy fats. Browse the full organic seeds collection.

Rare & specialty items

Read more on our rare specialties: Sidr honey guide and why chilgoza is so expensive.

Quick nutrition comparison

Approximate values per 28g (about a small handful), based on USDA reference data (USDA FoodData Central):

General guidance: a small daily handful of nuts (28g) is the standard portion; Brazil nuts are the exception at just 1–3 a day due to their high selenium.

How to choose and store dry fruits

Across all categories the rules are similar: buy from a seller with fast-moving, sealed stock; look for a fresh, sweet smell (a sharp or paint-like smell means rancid oils); and store in airtight containers away from heat and light — the fridge or freezer for high-oil nuts and soft items, a cool cupboard for dry items. Honey is the exception: keep it sealed at room temperature, never the fridge.

Build your own dry fruit mix

The healthiest snack is a balanced mix. Combine almonds, cashews, pistachios and walnuts with figs and dates — or let us do it for you with a ready mixed dry fruits pack or a premium gift box. For bulk and corporate orders, email support@khandryfruit.com.

Frequently asked questions

What are the names of dry fruits in Urdu?

Common dry fruit names in Urdu include badam (almond), kaju (cashew), pista (pistachio), akhrot (walnut), chilgoza (pine nut), anjeer (fig), khubani (apricot), kishmish (raisin), khajoor (dates) and aloo bukhara (prune).

What are dry fruits called in Hindi?

In Hindi, almond is badaam, cashew is kaju, pistachio is pista, walnut is akhrot, fig is anjeer, raisin is kishmish, dates are khajoor and apricot is khubani.

How many types of dry fruits are there?

There are dozens of common dry fruits, nuts and seeds. They fall into four main families: nuts, dried fruits, dates and seeds, with specialty items like saffron and honey alongside them.

What is the difference between dry fruits and nuts?

Nuts (like almonds and walnuts) are a type of dry fruit, but “dry fruits” also includes dried whole fruits such as raisins, figs and apricots, plus dates and seeds. Nuts are one family within the broader dry-fruit group.

Which dry fruit is the healthiest?

There's no single healthiest dry fruit; each has strengths — almonds for vitamin E, walnuts for omega-3, pistachios for protein and fibre, dates for potassium. A varied mix in moderation is best.

Which is the most expensive dry fruit?

Among everyday items, chilgoza (pine nuts) and premium dates like Ajwa and Medjool are the priciest, along with saffron, which is among the most expensive spices in the world by weight.

What is chilgoza called in English?

Chilgoza is called pine nuts in English. The Himalayan variety is Pinus gerardiana.

What is the scientific name of almond?

The scientific name of almond is Prunus dulcis. It belongs to the same family as peaches and apricots.

Are peanuts a nut or a seed?

Botanically peanuts are legumes, not true nuts, though they're used and sold like nuts. In Urdu they're called moong phali.

Is makhana a seed or a nut?

Makhana (fox nuts) are the seeds of the Euryale ferox water lily, popped to make a light snack. Despite the name they are seeds, not true nuts.

Which dry fruits are best in winter?

Chilgoza, walnuts, almonds, dates and peanuts are traditional winter favourites because their healthy fats and calories provide warmth and lasting energy.

Which dry fruits are good for weight loss?

Almonds, pistachios and walnuts can support weight management in controlled portions because their protein and fibre aid fullness, but all dry fruits are calorie-dense, so portion size matters.

Which dry fruits are high in protein?

Almonds and pistachios are among the highest-protein nuts at around 6g per 28g, followed by cashews and chia seeds.

How much dry fruit should I eat per day?

A small handful (about 28g) of mixed nuts a day is the standard guideline. Brazil nuts are an exception at 1–3 per day due to their very high selenium.

Should dry fruits be soaked before eating?

Soaking almonds, figs and raisins overnight softens them and can make them easier to digest. It's a popular habit but optional — most can also be eaten raw.

How should I store dry fruits?

Keep them in airtight containers away from heat and light. High-oil nuts and soft fruits last longest in the fridge or freezer, while dry items keep well in a cool cupboard.

How do I know if nuts are fresh?

Fresh nuts have a sweet, nutty smell and a clean snap. A sharp, bitter or paint-like smell means the oils have gone rancid.

What are seeds called in Urdu?

Common seed names in Urdu include kaddu ke beej (pumpkin seeds), til (sesame), alsi (flax), and tukh malanga (basil seeds).

Which seeds are best for health?

Chia, flax, pumpkin and sunflower seeds are popular for fibre, healthy fats and minerals. A spoonful added to meals is an easy way to include them.

Is dates a dry fruit?

Yes. Dates (khajoor) are classed as a dry fruit and are valued for natural sugars, fibre and potassium. They're especially popular during Ramadan.

What is the difference between kishmish and munakka?

Both come from grapes. Kishmish are small seedless raisins, while munakka are larger raisins, often with seeds, and are used in traditional remedies.

Are dry fruits good for children?

In moderation dry fruits provide energy, protein and minerals helpful for growing children. Offer shelled, age-appropriate pieces and watch portions due to their calorie density.

Which dry fruit is good for the brain?

Walnuts are often highlighted for brain health due to their omega-3 (ALA) content, as part of a balanced diet.

What is the English name of anjeer?

Anjeer is the Urdu/Hindi name for fig. Its scientific name is Ficus carica.

What is saffron called in Urdu and Hindi?

Saffron is called zafran in Urdu and kesar in Hindi. Its scientific name is Crocus sativus.

Where can I buy dry fruits online in Pakistan?

Khan Dry Fruits offers fresh, premium dry fruits, nuts, seeds, dates and honey online with delivery across Pakistan and cash on delivery.

Do dry fruits expire?

Dry fruits last a long time when stored well, but their oils can eventually turn rancid. Buy fresh, store cool and sealed, and use within a reasonable period for best taste.