Dried figs (anjeer) are the fibre champion among all dry fruits - at 9.8 g of fibre per 100 g, no other common nut or dried fruit comes close. They also deliver 162 mg calcium (the highest of any common dry fruit - more than milk per weight), 680 mg potassium, and only 249 kcal per 100 g - the lowest calories among popular dry fruits (ICMR IFCTs, 2017). Organic Mandya's dried figs are sun-dried without sulphur dioxide, without added sugar, and without any chemical treatment. If you deal with constipation, need more calcium from non-dairy sources, or simply want the most fibre-rich dry fruit snack available, organic anjeer is your answer. Here is everything you need to know.
Table of Contents
- What Is Dried Fig (Anjeer)?
- How Is Organic Dried Fig (Anjeer) Processed? (The Organic Story)
- What Is the Difference Between Organic Dried Fig (Anjeer) and Regular Dried Fig (Anjeer)?
- What Are the Health Benefits of Dried Fig (Anjeer)?
- What Is Inside Dried Fig (Anjeer)? (Nutrition per 100g)
- How Do I Use Dried Fig (Anjeer) Every Day?
- Who Should Try Dried Fig (Anjeer)? (And Who Should Be Careful?)
- How Do I Know It Is Really Organic?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Dried Fig (Anjeer)?
Dried figs are the dehydrated form of the common fig (Ficus carica) - known as anjeer in Hindi. Figs are one of the oldest cultivated fruits in human agriculture, with evidence of cultivation dating back over 5,000 years in the Mediterranean region.
What makes dried figs nutritionally exceptional is their fibre content. At 9.8 g per 100 g, they deliver more fibre than any common nut (walnuts 6.7g, almonds 12g, cashews 3g) and more than most dried fruits (raisins 4.5g, dates 8.0g). This fibre is a mix of soluble (feeds gut bacteria, slows sugar absorption) and insoluble (adds bulk, prevents constipation).
The calcium story is equally impressive: 162 mg per 100 g makes dried figs one of the best non-dairy calcium sources. For lactose-intolerant individuals, vegans, or anyone who does not drink milk, 3-4 dried figs daily provide meaningful calcium for bone health.
In Indian cuisine, anjeer appears in milkshakes (anjeer milk), desserts (anjeer barfi, anjeer halwa), and increasingly in health-conscious snacking (soaked figs). The traditional Ayurvedic practice of soaking 2-3 anjeer overnight and eating them on an empty stomach for digestive health has been validated by modern understanding of prebiotic fibre.
Organic Mandya's dried figs are certified organic, sulphur-free, and lab-tested per batch.
How Is Organic Dried Fig (Anjeer) Processed? (The Organic Story)
Organic Mandya sources dried fig (anjeer) from certified organic farms where no synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilisers are used. After harvesting, processing follows a clean protocol:
No sulphur dioxide is used for colour preservation. Conventional processors routinely fumigate with SO2 to maintain bright, uniform colour and extend shelf life. SO2 destroys Vitamin B1 (thiamine) and can trigger respiratory reactions in sensitive individuals. Organic processing skips this entirely.
No mineral oil is applied for shine. Commercial dry fruits often receive a mineral oil coating (a petroleum derivative) for glossy appearance. Organic Mandya sells dried fig (anjeer) without this coating - the matte, natural surface is the authenticity marker.
No chemical bleaching or whitening. The natural colour - which may vary slightly between batches - is proof that no cosmetic chemicals were used.
Every batch is lab-tested for pesticide residues, aflatoxin, and moisture content. Reports are published at trust.organicmandya.com. The supply chain holds NPOP certification and FSSAI licence (#11219322000392).
What Is the Difference Between Organic Dried Fig (Anjeer) and Regular Dried Fig (Anjeer)?
|
What We Are Comparing |
Organic Mandya Dried Fig (Anjeer) |
Regular Market Dried Fig (Anjeer) |
|
Farming |
Certified organic (NPOP); zero pesticides |
Conventional farming |
|
Sulphur dioxide |
Zero |
Often used for colour/preservation |
|
Mineral oil |
Zero |
Often applied for shine |
|
Chemical treatment |
Zero |
Possible bleaching/fumigation |
|
Pesticide residues |
Zero (certified) |
Possible |
|
Colour |
Natural (may vary between batches) |
Artificially uniform |
|
Certifications |
NPOP + FSSAI |
FSSAI only |
|
Lab tested |
trust.organicmandya.com |
Not published |
What Are the Health Benefits of Dried Fig (Anjeer)?
1. Fibre champion among dry fruits (9.8 g/100g). More fibre than raisins (4.5g), dates (8.0g), or cashews (3.0g). This exceptional fibre content makes dried figs the most effective natural remedy for constipation and the best dry fruit for gut health. The mix of soluble and insoluble fibre feeds good bacteria and promotes regularity.
2. Highest calcium of any common dry fruit (162 mg/100g). More calcium per weight than milk (120mg/100ml). For anyone who avoids dairy - whether due to lactose intolerance, veganism, or A1 sensitivity - dried figs are one of the best non-dairy calcium sources available.
3. Potassium for heart health (680 mg/100g). Significant potassium content supports healthy blood pressure and cardiovascular function. Higher potassium intake is consistently linked to lower stroke risk.
4. Prebiotic effect for gut microbiome. The soluble fibre in dried figs acts as a prebiotic - feeding beneficial Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species in the gut. A healthier gut microbiome improves nutrient absorption, immune function, and even mood.
5. Natural digestive remedy (soaked figs). The Ayurvedic practice of soaking 2-3 figs overnight and eating them on an empty stomach for constipation is one of the most effective non-pharmaceutical digestive remedies. The softened, fibre-rich figs provide gentle bulk that normalises bowel movements.
6. Lowest-calorie dry fruit (249 kcal/100g). Lower than raisins (299), dates (317), cashews (553), and almonds (575). For calorie-conscious snackers who want maximum fibre and calcium at minimum calories, dried figs are the optimal choice.
7. Antioxidant polyphenols. Dried figs retain the polyphenol antioxidants of fresh figs, including gallic acid, catechins, and rutin - compounds that protect cells from oxidative damage.
What Is Inside Dried Fig (Anjeer)? (Nutrition per 100g)
|
Nutrient |
Per 100g |
Per 30g (1 serving) |
What It Does for You |
|
Calories |
249 kcal |
~74 kcal |
Energy |
|
Protein |
3.3 g |
~1.0 g |
Builds muscle; repairs cells |
|
Fibre |
9.8 g |
~2.9 g |
Gut health; blood sugar control |
|
Iron |
2.0 mg |
~0.6 mg |
Blood health |
How Do I Use Dried Fig (Anjeer) Every Day?
|
When |
How to Use |
How Much |
|
Morning (digestive health) |
2-3 figs soaked overnight in water; eat figs + drink water |
20-30g |
|
Snack |
Dried figs with almonds and walnuts |
20g |
|
Breakfast |
Chopped figs in oatmeal, yogurt, or muesli |
15-20g |
|
Smoothie |
Blend soaked figs into milkshakes for natural sweetness |
20-30g |
|
Dessert |
Anjeer barfi, anjeer halwa, fig and nut energy balls |
As recipe |
|
Children's calcium snack |
1-2 dried figs daily |
15g |
The soaked anjeer ritual: Soak 2-3 organic dried figs in half a cup of water overnight. In the morning, eat the soft, plump figs and drink the sweet water on an empty stomach. Within a week, you will notice improved digestive regularity. This is one of India's oldest and most effective natural remedies for constipation.
Quick recipe - Fig and nut energy balls: Blend 50g soaked dried figs + 30g almonds + 30g walnuts + 1 tbsp cocoa powder. Roll into balls. Refrigerate. Each ball provides fibre, calcium, omega-3 (from walnuts), and natural sweetness with zero added sugar.
Who Should Try Dried Fig (Anjeer)? (And Who Should Be Careful?)
|
If You Are... |
Should You Try It? |
Why |
|
A healthy adult |
Yes (20-30g/day) |
Protein, minerals, healthy fats/fibre |
|
Watching weight |
Yes but portion control |
Calorie-dense; satiety helps overall intake |
|
A child (1+ years) |
Yes (age-appropriate portions) |
Minerals for growth; healthy snacking |
|
Pregnant |
Yes |
Iron, folate, minerals |
|
Diabetic |
Yes (moderate portions) |
Low GI; fibre slows glucose |
|
Specific allergy |
Check and avoid if allergic |
Consult doctor |
How Do I Know It Is Really Organic?
Organic Mandya's dried fig (anjeer) carries NPOP certification and FSSAI licence (#11219322000392). Every batch is lab-tested with reports at trust.organicmandya.com. No sulphur dioxide, no mineral oil, no chemical treatment. If a brand cannot show you the lab report and the certification, ask why.
FAQs
Q1. What are the benefits of dried figs (anjeer)?
Dried figs provide 9.8g fibre (highest of any dry fruit), 162mg calcium (highest non-dairy dry fruit source), 680mg potassium (heart health), and prebiotic benefits for gut health. At only 249 kcal/100g, they are the lowest-calorie dry fruit.
Q2. Are dried figs good for constipation?
Yes - 9.8g fibre per 100g makes dried figs one of the most effective natural remedies. Soak 2-3 overnight, eat on an empty stomach. The softened fibre provides gentle bulk for regular bowel movements. Most people notice improvement within a week.
Q3. How many dried figs should I eat daily?
2-4 dried figs (20-40g) daily. This provides 2-4g fibre, 32-65mg calcium, and 136-272mg potassium at only 50-100 kcal. More than 5-6 per day adds significant natural sugar.
Q4. Are dried figs good for bones?
Yes - 162mg calcium per 100g (highest of any common dry fruit, more than milk per weight) plus potassium and magnesium. For non-dairy calcium, dried figs are one of the best food sources available.
Q5. Can diabetics eat dried figs?
In small quantities (1-2 figs). Dried figs contain natural sugars and have a moderate glycaemic index. The high fibre content (9.8g) slows sugar absorption somewhat. Diabetics should treat figs as a controlled-portion food, not unlimited snacking.
