July 1, 2006

Mother Nature has always been generous to mankind. Be it autumn, sizzling summers, freezing winters, or colourful spring, nature showers its blessings throughout the year.

One of natures blessings is good quality fruits. The production of crops and fruit depend greatly on the weather conditions.

The weather conditions and fertile Pakistani soil are instrumental for the cultivation of fruit in abundance. From rugged hills in the north to the southern valley of the Indus River, Pakistan produces a variety of fruits.

When the mercury hits 40C, the scorching sun rays become unbearable. During such extreme weather it is good that one eats fresh fruits to help one to keep cool and replenish the fluids that we lose through sweat. If one needs to quench their thirst in hot summers, there could be no better way than to indulge in fruit mania; the large variety of melons is ideal for this season. Proper intake of fruit in summer can prevent the adverse effects of heat and dehydration. Fruits serve not only the palate, they also provide nutrition. With a wide range of fruits to pick from, Pakistan can rightly be called a paradise for fruit-lovers.

Summer offers a wide selection of juicy fruits than any other season — mangoes, plums, apricot, peaches and the list can go on and on.

As winter gives way to spring people begin to wait for summer because they know that summer brings with it juicy, yellow mangoes. Summer fun isn’t complete without irresistible mangoes also known as the king of fruits and fruit of kings. It can be enjoyed in a number of ways; besides simply cutting into slices and eating to your heart’s content mango cut into cubes and served with cream topping or vanilla ice cream is a delicious dessert. And who can resist a glass full of cool refreshing mango milkshake –– nothing seems better than a cool glass of mango milkshake when one is hungry but do not feel like eating regular meal due to heat.

In the past 40 years the quantity and quality of mango has tremendously improved. Pakistan produces a huge crop to easily meet the demand of both the international and the local market. Sindhri and Saroli are varieties that hit the market between end May and June along with Langra, Daseri, Safeda, Ratol. Some varieties like Chaunsa and Samara Bahisht Fazli previously used to come to the market in August but now they too are available in end June. Other varieties seen in the market are Baighanphali, Totapari, Gopal Bhog and Alfanso.

Provinces of Sindh and Southern Punjab are areas where mango cultivation is the highest. Sindhri which happens to be the choicest variety of mango is mainly grown in areas between Hyderabad and Mirpurkhas. Anwaratol, Chaunsa are the specialty of Multan.

Pakistan is the largest exporter of mangoes in the world. Pakistani mangoes are in great demand in international markets. One can find numerous varieties of mangoes such as Sindhri, Chaunsa, Langra and Anwaratol that are the main Pakistani export to Middle East and Europe.

While it’s hard to find a single soul who is not a mango-lover, banana seems to be the second most loved fruit. It is not only sweet to taste but its richness in iron makes it a must for those who want to maintain a good diet. Availability of bananas throughout the year makes it a favourite fruit. Banana was not produced here before 1970s. Former East Pakistan (Bangladesh) was the main source of bananas. In 1970s, after the fall of East Pakistan, farmers in Sindh planted banana trees thatwas a huge success. Banana is being cultivated in Thatta, Badin, Nawabshah and Hyderabad. Initially, local bananas were greenish in colour and smaller in size. However, now with the blessings of scientific research we have larger varieties available. Today, banana is the second largest export of Pakistan.

Banana is rich in iron and other nutrients and is in great demand on juice stalls where one can beat the heat with a glass of fresh banana milkshake.

Papaya has been cultivated in tropical regions of the world for as long as history has been recorded. It is a rich source of vitamin A and C and fibre, and also contains potassium. Sindh is the largest producer of papaya. Karachi and adjacent area of Balochistan are also famous for cultivating a variety of papaya fruit.

Apart from mangoes, banana and papaya, summer brings a large variety of melons such as water melons, and musk melons that are a must for beating the heat as these fruits are excellent for overcoming fluid loss. Melons were earlier imported from Africa but now they are grown locally as well. Those grown in Ghari Yasin, District Sukkur in Sindh are very popular.

Though apple is not a summer fruit, apples that are smaller in size, can be seen in the market. The fruit vendors say these apples, which are small but juicy, are produced only in summers and are called Quetta ke bair. Quetta is famous for its various varieties of apples and bair (brown berries).

During summer one can also chew on fresh figs. Both fresh and dried, sweet figs are fibre rich. Large amounts of minerals, calcium, and iron are also found in this fruit. The Northern part of the country (NWFP) is a major producer of figs.

Apricots, peaches and plums are not only wonderful snacking fruits but they are also great in fruit salads, cakes, or just with whip cream or yogurt. They are mostly grown in the Northern Areas and Kashmir. Grapes are a treat for fruit-lovers. Red, pink creamish white and purplish-black with thick or soft skin are various varieties that are produced according to different temperatures and soil conditions. In Pakistan the maximum acreage of this crop is in Balochistan and NWFP. Haita and sunderkhawani are the choiceiest varities of grapes grown in Pakistan.

The berry family comes bursting with flavours and colours. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries are high in fibre and vitamin C. Cherries are another summer fruit that contains wholesome nutrients as well. The wood-strawberry grows wild on Murree hills, and it is now cultivated and raised in the farms of Murree, Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Karachi along with other varieties of berries.

Last but not the least; nothing could be better than a glass of sugarcane juice easily available from roadside vendors in the sweltering Pakistani summers. Sugarcane juice and its sliced, fleeced ice-cold pieces are another common summer fiestas. It is a familiar sight on the streets of almost every city of the country. Sugarcane juice is a source of quick energy. It protects against the effect of sunstroke and also refreshes and revitalises during the hot weather. Punjab and Sindh are the main producers of sugarcane.

Splurging on these seasonal fruits can be an excellent way to incorporate healthy foods into your diet. Rich in fibre, vitamin C and an assortment of other nutrients, summer fruits are fun to eat and can improve health at the same time. Fruits are a powerhouse of nutrition, they possess few calories, almost no fat, are full of vitamins, phytonutrients and fibre.

For a quick and healthy snack for the whole family, cut a variety of summer fruits into a large bowl and keep it handy in the fridge. And if anyone wants to enjoy desserts, mix some lemon juice, sugar and salt and pepper and delicious fruit salad is ready. With so many scrumptious options available one is sure to never get bored with the fruits of summer.

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