Kismis 

Kismis are dried grapes (raisins) widely used in Indian cooking and snacking. Sourced from Afghanistan and Nashik, India, they are rich in iron, calcium, and potassium, carry a low glycemic index, and can be stored in an airtight container for up to six months.

Dried grapes or Raisins in India are called Kismis. 

These Kismis are plump, juicy, and sweet.

Kismis

Kismis is an inevitable ingredient in many desserts, such as cakes, cookies, puddings, etc. It is also added to milk to make a refreshing drink. 

Kismis in English

Kismis in English is called Indian Raisins.

It can be had as a healthy snack, too.

Buy Raisins

Raisins are rich in minerals like iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

Raisins are also a good source of vitamins A, C, and B complex.

It contains oleanolic acid, which is known to have anti-carcinogenic properties.

Including this in your diet helps maintain bone density and strength, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

The polyphenols present in this help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels.

It is also known to help improve digestion and treat constipation.

So, add a handful of this to your daily diet and enjoy the various health benefits it offers!

They, also known as Indian raisins, are dried grapes that make a delicious and healthy snack. Our

They come from Afghanistan, where they are harvested by hand and then sun-dried to perfection.

These plump and juicy raisins are perfect for snacking on their own or adding to trail mix, baked goods, and more.

Kismis Health Benefits:

Rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium

A good source of vitamins A, C, and B complex

It contains oleanolic acid, which has anti-carcinogenic properties

It helps maintain bone density and strength

Reduces the risk of heart disease

Improves digestion

Treats constipation

Kismis Glycemic Index:

The glycemic index (GI) is a scale that ranks carbohydrate-containing foods according to how much they raise blood sugar levels.

It has a low GI, which means they are unlikely to cause spikes in blood sugar levels.

This makes them a good choice for people with diabetes or trying to manage their weight. 

Kismis for Diabetes:

They are a good choice for people with diabetes because they have a low glycemic index.

This means they are unlikely to cause spikes in blood sugar levels. 

It can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet that includes other low-GI foods, such as whole grains, vegetables, and beans. 

If you have diabetes, it’s essential to talk to your doctor or registered dietitian before making any changes to your diet.

They can help you create a plan that will work for you and ensure you get the nutrients you need. 

Kismis for kids munching snacks:

They are a healthy snack option for kids.

They are low in calories and fat and have a low glycemic index, so they are unlikely to cause spikes in blood sugar levels.

They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

When choosing this manuka for your kids, look for those that are plump and juicy.

Avoid this dry raisin or have been treated with sulfur dioxide, which can irritate the digestive system.

It makes a great addition to school lunches or snacks.

They can be enjoyed on their own or added to trail mix, kheer, halwa, yoghurt, cereal, or other recipes. 

Kismis during pregnancy:

Eating these dried grapes during pregnancy is a good way to get the necessary nutrients.

They are a good source of iron, which is essential for pregnant women because it helps prevent anaemia.

They are also a good source of vitamins A, C, and B complex.

When choosing these dried grapes for pregnancy, look for those that are plump and juicy.

Make a great addition to pregnancy diets.

They can be enjoyed on their own or added to trail mix, kheer, halwa, yoghurt, cereal, or other recipes. 

Kismis during breastfeeding:

Eating this while breastfeeding is a good way to get the necessary nutrients.

They are a good source of iron, which is essential for nursing mothers because it helps prevent anaemia.

They are also a good source of vitamins A, C, and B complex. 

These dried grapes make a great addition to breastfeeding diets. 

It can be enjoyed on its own or added to multiple dishes of your choice, like halim ka halva or dink laddu, or you can soak it overnight in the early morning.

How to Store Kismis

Could you keep them in a cool, dry place when storing them?

It can last up to six months when stored properly.

If they start to get hard, you can soak them in water for a few minutes to soften them.

Do not store them in the fridge, as this can cause them to spoil. Instead, you can store them in an airtight container.

If you live in a hot climate, it’s best to store them in the fridge or freezer.

Kismis Price

The price of this varies depending on the quality and type. 

They are plump and juicy, have no sulfur dioxide treatment, and are more expensive than those that are dry or treated with sulfur dioxide.

Kismis from Afghanistan & India from Nashik are typically more expensive than in other countries.

This is because they are considered to be of a higher quality. 

How to Eat Kismis

There are many ways to enjoy them.

They can be eaten on their own as a snack or added to recipes. 

It can be enjoyed in sweet or savoury dishes. 

Some popular ways to eat kismis include:

• Adding them to the trail mix
• Adding them to Laddus 
• Adding them to kheer, halwa, or other desserts
•  Adding them to Gajar ka halwa
• Adding them to yoghurt or cereal

You can also try them by including them in savoury dishes such as rice or chicken curry.

Adding them to trail mix: they are a great addition to trail mix. They add sweetness and a chewy texture that pairs well.

Kismis Recipes:

There are many ways to enjoy them. Here are a few recipes to get you started:

Kismis Kheer: 

This Indian dessert is made with milk, kismis, and spices.

Gajar Raisin Halwa: 

This Indian dessert is made with grated carrots, kismis, and ghee.

Kismis Chutney: 

This sweet and tangy chutney is made with kismis, vinegar, and spices.

Raisin Curry: 

This Kerala-style curry is made with kismis, coconut milk, and spices.

They are a delicious and healthy snack that can be enjoyed in many ways.

Add them to your diet and enjoy the various health benefits they have to offer!

Enjoy the many health benefits of kismis by adding a handful to your daily diet!

FAQs

People Also Ask

What does Kismis mean?

Kismis is the Indian name for dried grapes, known in English as raisins. The word is used widely across India to refer to these small, sweet, chewy fruits used in desserts, snacks, and everyday cooking. They are sourced from Nashik in Maharashtra and Afghanistan, where grapes are sun-dried after hand harvesting.

Are raisins and Kismis the same?

Yes, raisins and kismis are the same thing. Kismis is simply the Hindi and Marathi word for raisins, which are dried grapes. Both names refer to the same fruit, dried to concentrate its natural sugars, iron, calcium, and potassium. In Indian kitchens, kismis and raisins are used interchangeably in recipes and on product labels.

What are Kismis made of?

Kismis are made from grapes that are dried, usually under the sun, until their water content drops and their natural sugars concentrate. No other ingredient is needed. Quality kismis are plump, juicy, and free from sulfur dioxide treatment. Those sourced from Nashik, India, or Afghanistan are considered among the best available in Indian markets.

What do we call Kismis in English?

Kismis in English is called raisins — dried grapes with concentrated natural sugars, iron, calcium, and potassium. The word kismis comes from Hindi and Marathi and is used across India on product labels and in recipes. Quality raisins from Nashik or Afghanistan are plump, juicy, and free from sulfur dioxide treatment.

Why is Kismis good for health?

Kismis are good for health because they supply iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium in a small, easy-to-carry form. They carry a low glycemic index, so blood sugar rises slowly after eating them. Oleanolic acid in raisins has shown anti-carcinogenic properties in cell studies. They also support digestion and help maintain bone density.

A small daily handful — about 20 to 30 g — added to warm milk, kheer, or eaten plain gives you consistent benefits without overloading on natural sugars.

Powle Home Foods (Ratnagiri), GI Authorised User AU/5974/GI/139/260 for Alphonso Mango, also curates quality dry fruits including kismis sourced for purity and natural processing.