India is one of the world's biggest exporters of fruit with some of its top products including mangoes, grapes, apples, bananas, guavas, papaya, water melon, oranges and avocados. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) recorded that the country exported 2,40,552.45 metric tonnes of fresh fruit (not including mango and grapes) during the year 2013-14.
The fruit bowl of India
Although the fruit producing states are topped by Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra in terms of quantity, there is an often overlooked little state perched right at the top of the country that has developed a reputation for having some of the most beautiful fruit-yielding land in India.
Himachal Pradesh is a horticulturist's dream, with a temperate climate ideal for tropical fruits to thrive. It is a region known for its bountiful, blossom-filled orchards and wide, sweeping, green valleys. It is also famed for its abundance of crisp, juicy apples as well as for its pears, peaches, plums, grapes, apricots, mangoes, strawberries and citrus fruits. Kiwi and olives are somewhat newer crops but are gaining in popularity in this region.
The importance of agriculture
Agriculture is an integral part of life in Himachal Pradesh. It provides almost 45 percent of the new state domestic product and provides the means for around 93 percent of its population to make a living. However, despite the cultivation of grains and cereals in the region, it is through the delectable assortment of flourishing fruits that the state of Himachal Pradesh really cashes in.
Last year, News Wala reported that the apple harvesting season in Himachal Pradesh had seen over 25 million boxes sold and that farmers receive good prices for their high quality products. Much of the fruit cultivated in this state is exported to the big fruit and vegetable markets in Delhi and Chandigarh.
India loves fruit
Fruit is an intrinsic part of the Indian diet. It can be a refreshing snack to rehydrate the body in the hottest months as well as providing a variety of nutritional benefits and a range of vitamins, minerals and fibre.
Fruits are additionally often consumed as an end of meal treat or mixed into desserts; and who could possibly visit India without sampling the famous mango lassi? The national fruit of the country blended with creamy, thick yoghurt, milk and spices is one of the iconic beverages of the land.
The various chutneys of India that you might order alongside your papadums or curries at one of London's best Indian fine dining restaurants often star mouth-watering fruit, spiced and sugared to perfection. The tradition of using fruits to add flavour to savoury dishes was favoured by the chefs of the Mughlai kitchens. It was these inventive cooks that also experimented extensively with dried fruit in recipes to add texture and sweetness.
Whether fresh or dried, pickled or cooked, the versatile and exotic fruits of India will always hold a place in the hearts of any Indian food aficionado.
No comments:
Post a Comment