Winter has arrived in the northern and north-eastern parts of the country, and with every passing day the cold is becoming sharper and more severe. Markets are now full of woollens of all types — shawls, jackets, sweaters, caps and gloves — to suit people from every economic background. Woollen clothes protect the outside of our body from the cold. But staying warm from within is even more important. For that, we need food that gives steady energy and helps the body produce heat.
There are many foods that keep the body warm from inside. In winter, people look for snacks that not only fill the stomach but also keep them energetic through the day. Nuts and seeds are a great choice. Almonds, walnuts, cashews, peanuts and sesame seeds (til) are packed with healthy fats and protein and help regulate body temperature. Dried fruits such as dates, figs, apricots and black raisins provide natural sugar, iron and fibre, which give quick and steady energy.
Traditional winter foods also play an important role. Roasted or boiled sweet potatoes are rich in complex carbohydrates and keep one full for a long time. Gond ke laddoo, panjiri and til or millet chikki are specially made for winter because they give strength and warmth. Roasted chana and makhana (fox nuts) are simple, light snacks that help control hunger and generate heat in the body.
Warm drinks are equally important in winter. Many people rely on ginger tea, tulsi tea, or green tea with spices like cinnamon and cardamom to keep the body warm. Turmeric milk (haldi doodh) is known for its healing and immune-boosting properties. Hot soups — whether simple vegetable broth or chicken soup — provide comfort, improve digestion and warm the body from within. Adding spices like ginger, garlic, black pepper, cumin and cinnamon to meals helps improve metabolism and digestion, both of which support the body during cold weather.
Among all winter foods, dates (khajoor) stand out as one of the most valued. Dates are considered a warm food. They give quick energy, help maintain body temperature and are rich in many useful nutrients. They contain iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium and antioxidants — all of which help the body fight winter fatigue. Because they are naturally sweet, they act as a healthy substitute for sugar.
Dates also offer many winter-specific health benefits. Their antioxidants help build immunity, which is important when cough, cold and flu are common. They are rich in fibre, which helps digestion at a time when the digestive system becomes slower due to cold weather. The minerals in dates support bone health, especially useful in winter when sunlight is limited. Dates also help control blood pressure and reduce bad cholesterol, making them good for heart health. Vitamins found in dates help keep the skin soft and moisturised, preventing dryness.
Dates can be enjoyed in many simple ways. They can be eaten plain as a snack, paired with nuts for extra energy or soaked in warm milk for a soothing drink. Chopped dates can be added to oatmeal, porridge or granola, and they work well as a natural sweetener in smoothies and homemade desserts. While they are nutritious, dates are calorie-dense, so two to three a day are usually enough.
Many countries in the Middle East — such as Iran, Israel, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the UAE, Lebanon and Jordan — and countries in North Africa like Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt and Sudan — grow some of the world’s best dates. India also grows dates, but the most popular varieties in our market, like Medjool, Khalas and Barhee, are grown mainly in Gujarat (especially Kutch) and parts of Rajasthan.
The price of dates varies widely depending on the variety and quality. In the Delhi market, they range from about ₹110 per kilogram to more than ₹1,400 per kilogram, with premium and jumbo varieties such as Medjool and Ajwa being the most expensive. Some dates are soft and fresh (wet dates), while others are semi-dry or fully dry, and each type has its own taste and texture.
In Delhi, the Khari Baoli market near Fatehpuri, on the edge of Chandni Chowk, is one of the biggest places for buying dates. During winter, this market becomes especially busy. Shops and small vendors sell many varieties, and customers from within Delhi and outside come looking for quality dates at good prices. Winter brings a thriving business for them, as more people buy dates to stay warm, energetic and healthy.
(Writer is associated with the 7x news.com)
