If you ever travel to the Northern and Southern parts of India, you may hear different names for Figs, especially Medipandu and Anjeer!
If you want to learn more about Figs, their significance, and how people mention them in different regions, stay tuned!
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Are Medipandu & Anjeer Same?
‘Medipandu’ and ‘Anjeer’ are separate names for the same plant, the Fig tree (Ficus carica).
People of Northern and Southern states of India contrarily use these names to describe the fruit and the tree.
Usually, the Fig tree or its fruits are called “Medipandu” in Telugu (Southern India) and “Anjeer” in the Northern States.
However, vernacular meanings may differ according to the dialects spoken in the different parts of India.
Medipandu Vs Anjeer: Origin
The earliest evidence of Fig cultivation dates back to 6000 B.C. in the Middle East.
However, the origin of ‘Medipandu’ and ‘Anjeer’ have different historical backgrounds.
Medipandu, as an Indian Fig, originated in the Western Ghats region of India. However, Anjeer is a Middle Eastern Fig that is believed to have originated in Turkey.
You can easily see the difference between Anjeer and Medipandu in their cultural and culinary use in India.
Benefits Of Medipandu & Anjeer
Fig plant holds medicinal, cultural, and culinary importance in different parts of the world.
However, people associate Medipandu or Anjeer with popular culinary names and cultural rituals in India.
1. Culinary Uses
Figs are climacteric fruits, and hence, you can pick them raw to ripen them at home.
In Southern India, people enjoy Medipandu sweet dishes like Medipandu ‘laddu,’ Medipandu ‘payasam,’ Medipandu ‘pickle,’ Medipandu ‘chutney,’ and Medipandu ‘raita.’
However, in Northern India, sweet dishes made from Anjeer like Anjeer ‘Halwa,’ Anjeer ‘Kheer,’ Anjeer ‘Barfi,’ Anjeer ‘Chutney,’ Anjeer Pancakes, Anjeer Pizza, and Anjeer Smoothie are famous.
But most of the time, many of these dishes give the same meaning but differ in the culinary practices of the particular region.
2. Cultural Uses
In a religious country like India, Medipandu or Anjeer have a long history of cultural use throughout the country.
Ancient Hindu texts (Vedas and Puranas) mention the importance of Medipandu or Anjeer as a sacred tree and fruit.
Similarly, Figs are associated with the Hindu god Lord Vishnu, who is depicted as sleeping in the bed of Figs, which is considered his favorite food.
Furthermore, In Jainism, devotees consider Anjeer as one of the five sacred foods. Also, Anjeer also serves the symbol of non-violence and kindness.
3. Medicinal Uses
In India and other regions of Southeast Asia, people use Medipandu and Anjeer in the form of traditional medicine.
Some medicinal uses of Medipandu or Anjeer are boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, improving digestion, relieving constipation, and regulating blood sugar levels.
Additionally, Medipandu and Anjeer are both good sources of vitamins, minerals, iron, magnesium, and calcium.
From Editorial Team
Conclusion!
Although Medipandu and Anjeer’s origins may differ, they both offer the same meaning.
In India, people use Medipandu and Anjeer synonymously in different regions, but the plant carries symbolism based on religion.
