Ajwa Dates (Khajoor)

Ajwa is a date held with reverence. Small, almost jet-black, finely wrinkled, and yielding to the touch, it carries a quieter sweetness than the larger Medjool, with notes of raisin, prune and a soft, almost liquorice finish. For Muslim families it is the date of the Prophet, traditionally eaten in odd numbers, often three or seven, at the breaking of fast. For everyone else, it is simply one of the finest dates in the world, and we treat each box with the seriousness it deserves.

Where We Source

True Ajwa is grown in one place: the volcanic-soil orchards around Madinah in Saudi Arabia. The variety has been cultivated there for centuries and is geographically protected, much in the way Champagne or Darjeeling tea are tied to a single region. Dates labelled Ajwa from any other origin are not authentic. Our supply comes through a long-standing relationship with a Madinah cooperative; each consignment carries Saudi origin documentation. Harvest is in late August and September, and we receive stock carefully air-shipped and cold-chain handled, so the soft, signature texture is preserved from the palm to your kitchen.

How to Enjoy

• Iftar tradition: Break the fast with three or seven Ajwa and a glass of water, the way the sunnah is observed.
• Daily piece: Many families keep a small jar and eat one or two each morning with a few almonds.
• Stuffed simply: Pit and fill with a single peeled almond; no further seasoning is needed.
• Hajj and Umrah gifting: A 200g gift box is a meaningful return gift for friends and family.

Storage & Freshness

Ajwa is a soft, moisture-rich date and is best stored refrigerated in an airtight container, where it keeps its texture and flavour for nine to twelve months. At cool room temperature it holds well for four to six weeks. Avoid warm, sunlit shelves, which dry and harden the fruit. If the dates do firm up, a few hours back at room temperature, or a brief warm-water dip, restores their characteristic soft bite.

Nutritional Snapshot (per 30g serving, roughly 4 dates)

• Calories: ~85 kcal
• Natural sugars: ~20 g (glucose and fructose, no added sugar)
• Fibre: ~2.2 g
• Iron: ~0.5 mg | Potassium: ~210 mg
• Key micronutrients: Magnesium, Calcium, Selenium, Polyphenols

Frequently Asked

How do I know these Ajwa are authentic?
Authentic Ajwa is small, almost uniformly dark brown to black, soft to the press, with very fine surface wrinkles and a clean, mild sweetness. It will never be glossy, oversized or bright. Our consignments arrive with Saudi origin documentation from a Madinah-based cooperative, and the lot reference on your box ties back to that paperwork. If anyone offers you Ajwa at a price close to ordinary dates, or in a shiny large form, it is almost certainly mislabelled.

What is the significance of seven Ajwa in Islamic tradition?
A well-known hadith narrates that the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said that whoever eats seven Ajwa dates from Madinah in the morning will be protected from harm that day. Many Muslim families therefore keep Ajwa specifically for this daily practice, distinct from other dates used for general eating or cooking. We mention this because it is the most common reason customers seek out Ajwa specifically, and we want to honour that intention with genuine fruit.

Why are Ajwa dates less sweet than Medjool?
Ajwa has a naturally lower sugar concentration and a higher mineral content than larger varieties like Medjool or Kimia. The flavour is more savoury, with hints of prune, dried fig and a subtle earthiness from the volcanic soil it grows in. Many people who find other dates too sweet find Ajwa balanced and easy to eat daily. The lower sweetness also makes it a preferred choice for those who want the nutritional benefit without a strong sugar hit.

Free delivery on orders over Rs.999. Direct-sourced. Naturally processed.

The Ammari Festive Gift Box is what we send to our own family and closest customers each Diwali. Inside a sturdy kraft hamper, finished with a satin ribbon and an optional handwritten card, sit five of our most-loved varieties in individual reusable pouches. It is a gift designed to feel considered rather than commercial — direct-sourced fruit, restrained packaging, and the kind of presentation that looks at home on a Diwali pooja thali, a corporate desk, or a wedding sagan tray.

Inside the Box

• California almonds — 250g: Whole Nonpareil kernels, in a kraft pouch.
• W320 cashews — 250g: Creamy-white whole grade from Mangaluru.
• Iranian pistachios — 200g: Akbari kernels, naturally split and lightly salted.
• Mazafati dates — 200g: Soft, caramel-toned dates from Bam, Iran.
• Smyrna fig sampler — 100g: Large amber Turkish Anjeer to round off the box.

Total weight: 1kg. Each variety is sealed in its own food-grade pouch, then nested in shredded kraft inside the outer hamper.

Perfect For

• Diwali corporate gifting: Premium yet appropriate for clients, vendors, and senior team members.
• Weddings and sagan: Substantial enough as a standalone shagun gift or part of a larger hamper.
• Raksha Bandhan: A thoughtful sister-to-brother or brother-to-sister gift that travels well.
• Housewarming and Eid: Universally welcome; halal-friendly contents; no alcohol or pork derivatives.

Storage & Freshness

Each pouch inside the box is sealed for freshness and stays good for 9 to 12 months unopened. Once the recipient opens a pouch, we recommend transferring the contents to an airtight container and storing in a cool, dry place. Dates and figs benefit from refrigeration in summer. The kraft outer box is dry-storage only — please keep away from direct heat, sunlight, and humidity until gifting.

Box Specifications

• Total net weight: 1000g (1kg) of dry fruits across five pouches
• Outer hamper: premium 350gsm kraft, magnetic-flap closure
• Approximate dimensions: 30cm x 22cm x 8cm
• Finishing: satin ribbon in Ammari brand colour, kraft shred lining
• Optional add-ons: handwritten message card (free), wax-seal stamping (₹49)
• Shelf life from dispatch: minimum 8 months on all pouches

Frequently Asked

Can I ship the box directly to a gift recipient?
Yes. At checkout, enter the recipient's address as the delivery address and your address as the billing address. We do not include a price slip or invoice in any gift box — only the optional message card. If you would like us to schedule delivery for a specific date (for example, the day before Diwali or a wedding), add a note at checkout and we will dispatch accordingly.

Do you take bulk corporate orders?
Bulk Diwali and year-end gifting is one of our most-requested services. For orders of 25 boxes or more we offer custom branding (your company logo on the kraft sleeve), custom message cards, and consolidated PAN-India dispatch. We typically need 10 to 14 working days from confirmation. Write to us at hello@ammari.in with quantity, delivery dates, and target locations for a tailored quote.

Can I add a personal message and customise contents?
A handwritten message card up to 40 words is included free with every box — add your text in the order notes at checkout. For content customisation (for example, swapping pistachios for walnuts, or upgrading to a 2kg box), please reach out before placing the order. We are a small family team, so the more notice you give us, the better we can tailor the hamper to your occasion.

Free delivery on orders over ₹999. Direct-sourced. Naturally processed.

Open these and you'll understand why Kashmiri grandmothers insisted on local akhrot for the family halwa. Kashmiri walnuts (Akhrot) carry a sweetness and clean finish that imported varieties simply do not match — the result of high-altitude orchards, a short concentrated growing season, and centuries of cultivar selection in the Kashmir valley. The kernels are pale honey-cream, plump, and break with the gentle resistance of a properly aged nut. This is the walnut for traditional recipes, for winter strength, and for gifts that mean something.

Where We Source

Our Kashmiri walnuts come from family orchards in Pulwama, Shopian, and Anantnag districts of South Kashmir, at elevations between 1,600 and 2,400 metres in the Pir Panjal foothills. We work primarily with the Kagzi variety — the paper-shell cultivar prized for its thin shell and clean kernel release — alongside a smaller share of Mamra, the wild-type with denser meat. Cultivation here is centuries old; many trees in these orchards are forty to seventy years in production. Harvest happens in September and October. We collect through a cooperative of growers and ship from Srinagar within weeks of shelling.

How to Enjoy

• Doon chetin (Kashmiri walnut chutney): Pound with green chilli, mint, salt, and curd — the signature Kashmiri accompaniment to rice and rogan josh.
• Sheer khurma and halwa: Coarsely chop into milk-based vermicelli pudding for Eid, or fold into ghee-cooked halwa.
• Winter immune support: Two or three kernels with morning honey through the cold months — an Ayurvedic and Unani habit followed across North India.
• Raw snacking and gifting: Crack and eat alongside dried apricots and saffron tea, or pack into Diwali and Karva Chauth gift boxes.

Storage & Freshness

In-shell Kashmiri walnuts keep beautifully — store the unopened pouch in a cool, dark, dry cupboard for up to nine months and the shell does the protection work. Once shelled, transfer kernels to an airtight container and refrigerate; use within three months for peak flavour. Freezing extends life to a year. Discard any kernel that tastes sharp, bitter, or paint-like — that's oxidised oil, not the nut itself.

Nutritional Snapshot (per 30g serving)

• Calories: 195 kcal
• Protein: 4.5 g
• Healthy fats: 19 g (rich in plant-based omega-3 ALA)
• Fibre: 2 g
• Key micronutrients: Magnesium, manganese, polyphenols

Frequently Asked

What is the difference between Kagzi and Mamra walnuts?
Kagzi (literally paper-shell) walnuts have a thin shell and a larger, lighter kernel — the most common premium grade in Kashmir. Mamra is the harder-shell, smaller, denser-kerneled variety, often considered richer in oil but harder to crack and lower in yield. Our pack runs primarily Kagzi with some Mamra in season. Both are authentic Kashmiri akhrot.

Why do Kashmiri walnuts cost more than Chilean or Californian?
Kashmir's walnut industry is family-orchard scale, with no industrial processing infrastructure. Yields per tree are lower than mechanised American operations, the harvest window is short, and logistics out of the valley add cost. You're paying for a smaller, slower-grown, hand-sorted nut with regional character. For traditional Indian recipes built around the Kashmiri profile, the difference is tangible on the plate.

Is the Ayurvedic association with brain health based on real evidence?
The classical association is partly symbolic — the kernel resembles a brain in miniature — and partly observational, with walnuts long recommended in Ayurvedic and Unani traditions as medhya (intellect-supporting). Modern research adds context: walnuts are rich in plant omega-3 ALA, polyphenols, and Vitamin E, which feature in studies on cognitive ageing. A small daily handful is one of the better food habits a household can keep.

Free delivery on orders over Rs.999. Direct-sourced. Naturally processed.

There is a reason Turkish figs (Anjeer) are considered the gold standard of dried fruit. Our Smyrna-variety figs come from the Söke region of Aydın province, on Turkey's Aegean coast — a stretch of land regarded as the world's premier fig terroir. Each fig is plump, amber-cream in colour, and finishes with the dense, honeyed sweetness that only sun and sea air can coax out of a fruit. We source them whole, untreated, and unsweetened, the way Aegean farmers have prepared them for centuries.

Where We Source

The Büyük Menderes river valley around Söke and Aydın is one of the few places on earth where the Smyrna fig thrives. Mineral-rich alluvial soil, bright Aegean sunlight, and the cool sea breeze that rolls in each afternoon create a slow, even ripening. Farmers there still let the fruit fall naturally to the ground at peak maturity, then sun-dry it on bamboo trays for several days before hand-grading by size and colour. Our partners deliver only the Lerida and No. 1 grades — the largest, palest, and softest of each season's harvest.

How to Enjoy

• Stuffed: Slit and fill with cream cheese, gorgonzola, or mascarpone, then drizzle with honey.
• Baked: Fold into almond cakes, oat cookies, or a classic anjeer barfi.
• Soaked: Steep two figs overnight in warm milk for an Ayurvedic morning tonic.
• Cheese boards: Pair with aged cheddar, walnuts, and a glass of red wine.

Storage & Freshness

Store in an airtight container, away from sunlight and humidity. Unopened, the figs stay fresh for 9 to 12 months. Once opened, refrigerate in Jaipur's summer months (April through September) to preserve their soft texture and prevent any sugar bloom on the surface. A light white coating is natural fruit sugar, not spoilage — wipe gently with a clean cloth before serving.

Nutritional Snapshot (per 30g serving)

• Calories: approx. 75 kcal
• Fibre: 3 g (about 12% of daily needs)
• Potassium: 200 mg
• Antioxidants: rich in polyphenols and flavonoids
• Key micronutrients: calcium, magnesium, vitamin K

Frequently Asked

Are these figs sulphured or sweetened?
No. Our Smyrna figs are sun-dried in the traditional Aegean way with no sulphur dioxide, no added sugar, and no glucose syrup coating. The natural sweetness comes entirely from the fruit's own sugars, concentrated by slow drying. This is why our figs sometimes show a fine white bloom on the surface — that is crystallised fruit sugar, a hallmark of unprocessed dried figs.

How do these compare to Indian Anjeer?
Indian Anjeer (typically Pune or Afghan-origin) is smaller, darker, and chewier, with a more rustic flavour. Turkish Smyrna figs are larger, paler, softer, and noticeably sweeter — better suited to gifting, stuffing, and dessert work. Both have their place; we source Turkish for customers who want the premium experience traditionally served at weddings and festive occasions.

Can children eat these every day?
Yes, in moderation. Two to three figs a day is a wonderful natural source of fibre, calcium, and iron for growing children. Soak them overnight in milk for easier digestion, especially for younger kids. Dried figs are calorie-dense, so we recommend treating them as a nutritious snack rather than an unlimited indulgence.

Free delivery on orders over ₹999. Direct-sourced. Naturally processed.

Good apricots (Khubani) taste of summer mountains — bright, slightly tart, and finishing with deep honeyed sweetness. We source from two of the world's great apricot regions: Malatya in eastern Turkey, and the high Karakoram valleys of Ladakh. Both produce fruit that is naturally golden-orange, soft to the bite, and free of sulphur treatment. The result is a dried apricot that looks darker than the bright orange supermarket variety, but tastes considerably more like the original fruit.

Where We Source

Malatya, in the highlands of eastern Anatolia, accounts for nearly half of the world's dried apricot production. Its altitude (around 900 metres), continental climate, and long sunny days produce the soft, plump Hacıhaliloğlu variety we favour. From India, we work with smallholder cooperatives in the Nubra and Sham valleys of Ladakh, where the indigenous Halman and Raktsey Karpo apricots are harvested each August and laid out to dry on stone roofs. Both origins are sun-dried without sulphur dioxide, which is why the fruit is amber-brown rather than fluorescent orange.

How to Enjoy

• Tagines and curries: Slow-cook with lamb, cinnamon, and almonds for a classic Mughlai or Moroccan dish.
• Granola and muesli: Chop and toast with oats, almonds, and honey for a make-ahead breakfast.
• Soaked breakfast: Steep three apricots in water overnight, then eat with curd and a drizzle of honey.
• Biryani garnish: Stir whole apricots into the final dum stage for a sweet counterpoint to the spice.

Storage & Freshness

Keep apricots in an airtight container in a cool, dry place; they will stay soft and flavourful for 9 to 12 months. Because they retain natural moisture, we strongly recommend refrigerating the bag during Jaipur's summer (April to September) to prevent any surface stickiness or fermentation. If apricots firm up after long storage, soak briefly in warm water to restore their original texture before using.

Nutritional Snapshot (per 30g serving)

• Calories: approx. 72 kcal
• Fibre: 2.2 g
• Iron: 0.8 mg | Potassium: 350 mg
• Antioxidants: high in beta-carotene and lutein
• Key micronutrients: vitamin A, vitamin E, copper

Frequently Asked

Why are your apricots dark, not bright orange?
Bright orange dried apricots are treated with sulphur dioxide, which preserves colour and extends shelf life but alters flavour and is unsuitable for many sensitive customers. Our apricots are sun-dried without sulphur, so they oxidise to a natural amber-brown over a few days of drying. The colour is the most reliable visual cue that you are buying genuinely natural Khubani, the way it has been prepared in Anatolia and Ladakh for generations.

Malatya or Ladakh — which is better?
Both are excellent and we ship a blend or single-origin depending on season. Malatya apricots are larger, softer, and sweeter — preferred for desserts, stuffing, and gifting. Ladakh apricots are smaller, more tart, and have a deeper, almost wine-like flavour — preferred by chefs and customers who like a complex, less sugary fruit. Tell us your preference at checkout and we will do our best to accommodate.

Are these the same as Khubani ka Meetha apricots?
Yes, our Malatya variety is the type traditionally used for Hyderabadi Khubani ka Meetha — soft, sweet, and large enough to hold their shape when stewed. Soak them overnight, simmer with sugar and a touch of cardamom, and serve warm with malai or vanilla ice cream. Ladakh apricots also work but produce a tarter, more rustic version of the dish.

Free delivery on orders over ₹999. Direct-sourced. Naturally processed.

Munakka is the elder cousin of the everyday raisin: bigger, darker, deeply sweet, and carrying a single seed in the old way. Our Afghan Munakka has a wrinkled mahogany skin and a soft, jammy interior that tastes of dried plum and dark caramel. Generations of Indian households have kept a small jar of these on the kitchen shelf, soaked overnight in milk or water for children with a winter cough, or stirred into kahwa on cold mornings.

Where We Source

True Munakka comes from grapes grown in the high, dry plateaus of Afghanistan, primarily around Kandahar and Herat, with a smaller share from the Iranian provinces bordering Khorasan. The vines benefit from cold winters, hot summers and very low humidity, which concentrates the sugars before drying. The grapes are dried slowly in traditional mud-brick kishmish khanas, ventilated rooms with slatted walls that let dry air circulate without direct sun. This shade-drying over several weeks is what gives Munakka its characteristic depth of flavour and chewy texture, very different from quickly sun-dried table raisins.

How to Enjoy

• Ayurvedic soak: Soak two to three Munakka overnight in warm water; eat on an empty stomach for traditional iron and digestion support.
• Kahwa and milk: Simmer with saffron and a stick of cinnamon for a winter night drink.
• Biryani and pulao: Fry briefly in ghee with cashews; their size holds up beautifully against the rice.
• Sherbet and chutney: Blend soaked Munakka with tamarind and rock salt for a classic North Indian sweet-sour sherbet.

Storage & Freshness

Keep Munakka in an airtight container in a cool, dark cupboard. Best consumed within nine to twelve months of packing. Because Munakka has higher residual moisture than seedless raisins, refrigeration is recommended in summer or in humid coastal climates after the pouch is opened. If they stiffen over time, a five-minute soak in warm water restores the original soft texture.

Nutritional Snapshot (per 30g serving)

• Calories: ~95 kcal
• Natural sugars: ~21 g (fructose and glucose, no added sugar)
• Fibre: ~1.4 g
• Iron: ~1.1 mg | Potassium: ~250 mg
• Key micronutrients: Calcium, Magnesium, Polyphenols

Frequently Asked

What is the difference between Munakka and Kishmish?
Both are dried grapes, but they come from different varieties and traditions. Kishmish is small, seedless, and lighter in colour, eaten as a snack and used in everyday cooking. Munakka is larger, retains its seed, and is dried far longer, which deepens both colour and flavour. In Ayurveda, Munakka is considered more medicinal, especially for respiratory health, anaemia, and constipation. Many households use the two interchangeably in sweets, but the soaked-overnight ritual specifically calls for Munakka.

Why does Munakka have a seed inside?
The traditional Munakka grape is a seeded variety, and Ayurvedic texts specifically recommend the seeded form. The seed is small, soft after soaking, and edible, though most people split the fruit and remove it before eating. Removing the seed is also how Munakka is prepared for children. The presence of the seed is a sign that you are getting the authentic varietal, not a relabelled seedless raisin.

Is Munakka safe during pregnancy?
Soaked Munakka is a long-standing traditional remedy in Indian households during pregnancy, valued for its iron, fibre and gentle natural sweetness. Two to four soaked pieces a day, eaten in the morning, are commonly recommended. That said, every pregnancy is different. If you have gestational diabetes or any condition that requires monitoring blood sugar, please consult your doctor before adding any dried fruit, including Munakka, to your daily routine.

Free delivery on orders over Rs.999. Direct-sourced. Naturally processed.