Pakistan is a country that is blessed with a diverse range of fruits due to its geographical location and climate conditions. The country is home to a large variety of fruits that are not only delicious but also have numerous health benefits. Pakistan is home to a wide variety of fruits that are not only delicious but also rich in nutrients. From the sweetest of mangoes to the tangiest of citrus fruits, the country offers a range of fruits that are not only popular locally but also sought after in international markets. In this article, we will discuss the top 10 fruits in Pakistan.
- Mango
- Guava
- Banana
- Pomegranate
- Apple
Mango
The mango, also known as the king of fruits, is a delicious tropical fruit that is popular all over the world. It is native to South Asia and has been cultivated in India for over 4000 years. Today, mango is grown in many countries, including Pakistan, which is one of the largest producers of mangoes in the world.
Mangoes come in many different varieties, each with its own unique flavor, texture, and appearance. They are typically round or oblong in shape and can range in size from small to quite large. The skin of the mango is usually smooth and has a green or yellowish color, depending on the variety. Inside, the flesh is juicy, sweet, and succulent, with a bright yellow or orange color.
Mangoes are not only delicious but also have many health benefits. They are a good source of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as dietary fiber and antioxidants. These nutrients help to boost the immune system, promote healthy digestion, and protect the body against diseases like cancer and heart disease.
Mangoes are considered the national fruit of India, Pakistan, and the Philippines. In Pakistan, there are over 250 varieties of mangoes, with Fajri, Anwar Ratul, Dasehri, Maldha, Langra, Sindhri, and Chaunsa being the most important commercial cultivars. The largest production of mangoes occurs in Punjab, followed by Sindh and NWFP. Pakistani mangoes are not only delicious but also have a sweet fragrance, which is why they are the most popular fruit in Pakistan and among the most sought-after fruits worldwide.
To meet export standards, mangoes must be ripe, uniform in size, and free of marks, bruises, and fungal infections. Every year, Pakistan produces around 1.75 million tons of mangoes, with approximately 66,000 tons exported two years ago, earning approximately PKR 5.9 billion, according to a local newspaper report. Last year, the country exported 77,000 tons of mangoes, which is only a small fraction of the total production.
Guava
Guava is a tropical fruit that is popular for its sweet, juicy flavor and numerous health benefits. It is native to Central and South America but is now cultivated in many other countries, including Pakistan. Guava is a small to medium-sized fruit, usually round or oval in shape, with green or yellow skin that may have a slightly bumpy texture. The flesh is typically pink or white and has a soft, juicy texture with a sweet, slightly tart flavor.
One of the unique features of guava is that it is packed with nutrients. It is high in vitamin C, which is essential for boosting the immune system and maintaining healthy skin, and also contains vitamin A, potassium, and dietary fiber. These nutrients help to improve digestion, regulate blood pressure, and prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Guava can be enjoyed in many ways, including fresh, sliced, or chopped, as a juice or smoothie, or as an ingredient in desserts or savory dishes. In Pakistan, it is often used to make guava jam, jelly, or candy.
The Investment Department of the Government of Sindh reports that Sindh, a province in Pakistan, is responsible for producing 70,000 tons of guava each year. Larkana, one of the major guava producers in Sindh, cultivates eight different varieties of guava, including Benazir, local Sindhi, Thadharami, Riyali, Shamlo, Ramzani, Golo, and Hyderabadi. The demand for these guava varieties is high throughout the country. To meet this demand, guava cultivation is carried out across 24,000 acres of land in Sindh. The primary importers of guava from Pakistan are the UAE, the UK, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, but Canada is the largest single importer of this fruit. Despite the significant revenue of approximately PKR 1 billion generated annually by guava production, a considerable portion of the fruit goes to waste due to poor handling and its short shelf life.
Banana
Banana is a tropical fruit that is loved by many people around the world. It is one of the most popular fruits, and it is grown in more than 135 countries. Bananas are available all year round, and they are not only delicious but also very nutritious. In this write-up, we will discuss the importance of bananas, their role in culture, and their nutritional value.
Bananas are grown in Pakistan, particularly in the southern region of the country. The annual production of bananas in Pakistan is around 2.4 million tons, making it the eighth-largest producer of bananas in the world. Pakistan exports bananas to countries such as Iran, Afghanistan, and the Middle East.
Bananas play an essential role in the culture of many countries. In some cultures, bananas are considered a symbol of fertility, and they are used in various rituals and celebrations. In other cultures, bananas are used as an offering to the gods. In many countries, bananas are a staple food, and they are used in various dishes and desserts.
Bananas are a good source of various nutrients that are essential for the body. One medium-sized banana contains around 105 calories, 1.3 grams of protein, 27 grams of carbohydrates, and 3 grams of fiber. Bananas are also rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium. One medium-sized banana contains around 3 grams of fiber, which is about 10% of the daily recommended intake.
Pomegranate
Pomegranate is a fruit that is widely recognized for its sweet and tangy taste. It is a round-shaped fruit that is characterized by a hard, leathery exterior and a bright red, juicy interior filled with small, edible seeds. The pomegranate is considered to be one of the oldest known fruits, with its origins tracing back to Persia (modern-day Iran) and the Mediterranean region.
In Pakistan, pomegranate is an important fruit crop that is grown in various regions of the country. Pakistan is one of the major exporters of pomegranate, with the majority of the export volume going to the Middle East and Europe. The export of pomegranates has been increasing in recent years due to the high demand for fruit in the international market.
Pomegranate has a significant cultural role in many societies, particularly in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, where it is often used in traditional celebrations and rituals. In some cultures, the fruit is considered a symbol of fertility, abundance, and good luck.
Pomegranate is a nutrient-dense fruit that contains various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is a rich source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. The antioxidants in pomegranate have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help protect against chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Apple
Apples are one of the most widely consumed fruits in the world and for good reason. This sweet and crunchy fruit is packed with nutrients and has a long list of health benefits.
Apples come in a wide variety of colors and flavors, ranging from sweet to tart. They are a rich source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, which help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, apples contain a compound called pectin, which has been shown to improve gut health and lower cholesterol levels.
One of the most well-known health benefits of apples is their ability to support heart health. Studies have shown that consuming apples on a regular basis can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. Apples have also been linked to a reduced risk of certain types of cancer, including lung, colon, and breast cancer.
In Pakistan, the most popular apple varieties are Mashadi, Kala kulu, Amri, Katja, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Kashmiri, Royal Gala, Skyspur, and Summer Red. These varieties can be found from mid-July to November, offering a diverse range of options. Balochistan is the largest contributor of apples, accounting for more than 70% of the total production of approximately 0.3 million apples annually. These apples are in high demand, especially in foreign countries and the Middle East, due to their sweet taste and unique varieties. Pakistani apples are imported by a number of countries, including Hong Kong, Dubai, Brunei, India, Bahrain, Sri Lanka, Netherlands, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Japan.
