Walnut trees thrive in the cool mid-hills of the Himalayas, where families harvest the nuts each autumn.
A winter food
Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fats and are often eaten in winter to keep warm.
Tag: Dry Fruits
Nuts and dried fruits, and why they matter.
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Dry Fruits in Festive Traditions
Dry fruits appear in many festivals and rituals, from offerings in worship to gifts exchanged between families.
Offerings and prasad
Cashews, raisins and almonds are common in sweets prepared as offerings.
Gifts and hospitality
A box of dry fruits is a traditional gift during festivals, and a symbol of goodwill and prosperity.
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Kaju Barfi: A Tihar Favourite
Kaju barfi (also called kaju katli) is a fudge made from ground cashews and sugar syrup, cut into diamonds and often topped with silver leaf.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cashews
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tsp ghee
Method
- Grind the cashews to a fine powder.
- Boil the sugar and water to a one-string syrup.
- Stir in the cashew powder and cook until it forms a soft dough.
- Knead with ghee, roll out and cut into diamonds.
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Cashews: From Tree to Table
Each cashew grows on the outside of a fruit called the cashew apple.
Processing
- The nuts are dried in the sun.
- They are roasted or steamed to remove the toxic shell oil.
- The shells are cracked and the kernels peeled by hand.
Storing cashews
Keep them in an airtight jar in a cool, dark place, or in the fridge for longer freshness.
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Why Almonds Are Called a Superfood
Almonds are one of the most popular dry fruits, eaten raw, soaked overnight or added to sweets.
Nutrition
- Rich in vitamin E and magnesium.
- A good source of plant protein and fibre.
- Contain heart-healthy unsaturated fats.