By Staff Reporters
Known for their golden yellow colour, sweet aroma, and tropical taste, mangoes are a favourite summer treat enjoyed by many. And as the summer heat kicks in, residents across the UAE are heading to the stores to get their fix of this seasonal fruit.
While mangoes from various countries around the world are available here, one nation stands out as a crowd-favourite. Pakistani mangoes are among the most popular and widely consumed fruits in the UAE. But what is it that makes them so in demand?
The secret behind the success of the ‘king of fruits’ starts back at the farms.
The farming process
As the national fruit of Pakistan, mangoes are grown with great care and attention. They are largely cultivated in the Sindh and Punjab provinces, while some small-scale farming is also done in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Due to the climate differences, Sindh has slightly warmer temperatures that lead to an earlier harvest than in other regions. Thus, the first batch of mangoes in every season often come from Sindh, while Punjab-grown mangoes often arrive July through August.
Each region also hosts its own unique varieties. For instance, Sindh has household types like Sindhri, while Anwar Ratol varieties are popular in Punjab. Overall, Pakistan is home to more than 100 varieties of mangoes, including Langra, Dussehri, Fajri, Saroli, and more.
When it comes to shipping, they are typically exported in cardboard boxes or wooden crates, and often come in varieties of sizes like 5kg, 8kg, 10kg, and more.
Local popularity
Evidently, one of the reasons behind the mango popularity in the UAE is the large Pakistani and overall South Asian diaspora in the Emirates. To fulfil these demands, large imports of the fruit are made to the country, making UAE one of the leading countries where Pakistan mangoes are shipped.
The distinct taste of Pakistani mangoes, especially Sindhri, Chaunsa, and Anwar Ratol varieties, have also made it a highly sought after fruit for everyone in the UAE. Pakistan also ensures that only the highest quality mangoes are exported overseas, maintaining a quality standard every time that adds to their appeal.
On a more logistical note, the close proximity to Pakistan also allows for faster and more frequent shipping, which in turn results in fresher mangoes that don’t run out.
Global presence
Apart from the UAE, Pakistani mangoes are also popular in the following countries: United Kingdom, Canada, Kazakhstan, Oman, Qatar, and Germany.
In fact, Pakistan is working on expanding their mango exports to non-traditional markets like Japan, South Korea, and Australia in the east, and the US in the west, according to reports from the Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association (PFVA).
Mangoes reconstructed
While mangoes offer a great experience when consumed on their own, there are many different ways to process mangoes into an array of different products. This not only builds up the hype around the fruit, but also adds economic value. Popular mango-based products out of Pakistan include jams, pickles, jellies, and concentrates, among other items.
Other uses in cooking for mangoes often surrounds desserts. UAE residents can enjoy the mango delights this season with desserts like mango ice cream, milkshakes, pudding, and more.
Where to purchase mangoes in the UAE
Given their immense exports, Pakistani mangoes are widely available across the country. They are found in big-brand supermarkets, as well as small-scale fruits and vegetables. If you’re on a budget and looking for the lowest prices, major food markets like the Dubai Central Fruit and Vegetable Market have the best budget options for bulk purchases.
Many Pakistani-owned and operated supermarkets also provide mangoes, alongside other local foodstuff and goods.
Source: Gulf News
