Which ingredients are in anjeer, and what makes this fig so nutritious?

January 2, 2026 •

3 min read

Figs, known as anjeer in many parts of the world, are one of the oldest cultivated plants and a nutritional powerhouse. Whether consumed fresh or dried, understanding which ingredients are in anjeer reveals a dense profile of natural sugars, dietary fiber, and essential minerals that contribute to overall health. This delicious fruit is a simple, whole-food ingredient itself, but it is also used in countless recipes alongside other wholesome components.

Quick Summary

Anjeer, or figs, is packed with natural components like fiber, minerals, and vitamins. Its ingredients are its own nutritional elements, though it is often combined with nuts, dates, and spices in Indian recipes for enhanced flavor and benefits.

Key Points

Nutrient-Dense Fruit: Anjeer is a fruit rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals like potassium, calcium, and iron.
Fiber for Digestion: Its high fiber content is a key ingredient for promoting healthy digestion and relieving constipation.
Recipe Staple: Beyond being a fruit, anjeer is a primary ingredient in many Indian sweets, commonly combined with nuts, dates, and ghee.
Dried vs. Fresh: Dried anjeer has a more concentrated nutritional profile and higher energy content than its fresh counterpart.
Heart and Bone Health: The potassium and calcium in anjeer are crucial ingredients for supporting heart health and strengthening bones.
Antioxidant Power: Anjeer contains powerful antioxidants that help combat inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.

The Core Ingredients: The Nutritional Breakdown of Anjeer

At its heart, the primary 'ingredients' of anjeer are its nutritional components. The fruit, whether fresh or dried, is a natural source of a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds. These are the building blocks that make anjeer a valued part of a healthy diet, far beyond being just a sweet treat. The unique composition of anjeer provides benefits for digestion, bone health, and the cardiovascular system.

Essential Vitamins and Minerals

Anjeer is not just a source of energy; it is fortified with vital micronutrients that are crucial for bodily functions. The most prominent include:

Potassium: A single dried anjeer provides a significant amount of potassium, which is key for regulating blood pressure and balancing body fluids.
Calcium: An excellent source of non-dairy calcium, anjeer is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth, helping to prevent conditions like osteoporosis.
Iron: This mineral is vital for the production of red blood cells, making anjeer particularly beneficial for preventing anemia and supporting blood health.
Magnesium: Involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions in the body, magnesium from anjeer supports nerve function, muscle contraction, and energy production.
Vitamins: The fruit contains various vitamins, including Vitamin A for vision, Vitamin K for blood clotting and bone health, and Vitamin B6 for metabolism and brain function.
Antioxidants: Anjeer contains high levels of antioxidants like phenols and flavonoids, which combat oxidative stress and protect cells from damage.

The Importance of Fiber

One of the most praised aspects of anjeer is its incredibly high dietary fiber content. This soluble fiber aids in:

Improving Digestion: It helps soften stools and adds bulk, which promotes regular bowel movements and helps alleviate constipation.
Weight Management: The fiber helps you feel full and satisfied for longer, which can reduce overall calorie intake and assist with weight management.
Blood Sugar Regulation: Fiber slows down the absorption of sugars, which helps to manage blood sugar levels more effectively.

Anjeer in Culinary Creations: A Medley of Ingredients

While the fruit itself is a wholesome ingredient, anjeer is also the star component in many traditional Indian sweets and dishes. These recipes introduce additional ingredients to create rich, flavorful, and textured delicacies.

Common Ingredients Paired with Anjeer:

Dates (Khajoor): Often blended with dried figs to create a natural, no-sugar-added base for sweets like barfi.
Nuts: Almonds, cashews, pistachios, and walnuts are frequently added for crunch, healthy fats, and additional protein.
Ghee (Clarified Butter): Used for sautéing the fig and nut mixture, lending a rich, traditional flavor.
Spices: Cardamom powder is a classic addition, providing a warm, aromatic flavor profile.
Other Ingredients: Depending on the recipe, other items like milk, desiccated coconut, or semolina (suji) can be included.

The Nutrients in Fresh vs. Dried Anjeer

There is a notable difference in the nutritional concentration between fresh and dried anjeer due to the removal of water during the drying process. The following table compares the typical nutritional content per 100 grams.


Nutrient	Dried Anjeer (per 100g)	Fresh Anjeer (per 100g)
Energy	249 kcal	74 kcal
Carbohydrates	63.9 g	19.18 g
Dietary Fiber	9.8 g	2.9 g
Sugar	47.92 g	16.26 g
Calcium	162 mg	35 mg
Potassium	680 mg	232 mg
Iron	2.03 mg	0.37 mg
Vitamin K	15.6 mcg	4.7 mcg

Conclusion: More Than Just a Single Ingredient

In summary, the question of which ingredients are in anjeer is answered on two levels. On one hand, the fig itself is a single, naturally-occurring fruit, with its internal composition being a potent combination of dietary fiber, vitamins, and essential minerals like potassium, calcium, and iron. On the other hand, when used in culinary arts, anjeer is expertly combined with other wholesome ingredients such as nuts, dates, and ghee to create flavorful and nutrient-dense delicacies. Whether eaten plain for its pure goodness or incorporated into a complex recipe, anjeer remains a highly versatile and beneficial food. Its natural sweetness and rich nutritional profile make it an excellent choice for boosting health and vitality.

For more information on the numerous health benefits, you can consult reputable nutrition resources online.

Visit Healthline for more on the nutritional value of figs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, anjeer is the Hindi and Urdu name for the fruit commonly known as a fig.

The core ingredients of the anjeer fruit are its nutritional components, including dietary fiber, natural sugars, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, and vitamins A, K, and B6.

Dried anjeer has a more concentrated nutrient content and higher calories per gram than fresh anjeer because most of the water has been removed.

Anjeer barfi is typically made with ingredients such as dried figs, seedless dates, mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios), ghee, and cardamom powder.

Anjeer has a moderate glycemic index and can be part of a balanced diet for people with diabetes. However, due to its natural sugar content, moderation is key, and it is best to consult a doctor, especially when eating dried anjeer.

To get the most benefits, soak 2-3 dried anjeer in water overnight and eat them first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. This is particularly effective for improving digestion.

Anjeer halwa generally includes dried figs blended into a puree, ghee, nuts (like almonds and pistachios), sugar or dates, and fragrant spices such as cardamom.