Kashmir’s climate and soil are ideal for cultivating an array of delicious fruits that are popular throughout both India and worldwide. These tasty treats have gained immense popularity.
Apple cultivation in Kashmir has long been a tradition, appearing both in ancient scripture and travel accounts such as those written by Huien Tsang, one of China’s renowned travelers and adventurers.
Peach
Peaches are one of the most beloved fruits in Kashmir and have long been an integral component of its horticulture industry, helping create jobs and generate income for local farmers while also being immensely popular with tourists.
Kashmiri peaches are juicy and succulent stone fruit snacks packed with essential nutrients. Studies have demonstrated the health benefits of Kashmiri peaches, including improving digestion and strengthening immunity systems, as well as being effective at lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Furthermore, they contain plenty of antioxidants, which may reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease.
Peach farming in Kashmir is steadily on the rise. Once considered subsistence cultivation, peaches are now increasingly seen as an alternative crop that provides employment and helps reduce poverty rates in the region.
Kashmir produces many other fruit varieties in addition to apples, such as pears, plums, and citrus fruits. Their pomegranates stand out as particularly notable examples, boasting tough-skinned fruits with unique characteristics, unlike the more typical acidic taste associated with most other pomegranates.
Kashmir produces superior-grade pomegranates to those grown in India, offering more beneficial nutrients that can enhance hair, nails, skin, and tooth appearance, aid digestion, and increase energy levels. Furthermore, they’re an excellent source of iron that may prevent anemia and other illnesses.
Almonds
Almonds (Prunus amygdalus) are an integral component of Indian cuisine and are beloved ingredients in many dishes, drinks, and desserts alike. Commonly referred to as khus or badam (dried ground almonds), almonds can come fried or powdered; their creamy, nutty flavor can’t be replicated elsewhere!
Almonds are packed with vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects against free radical damage to cells. Plus, they’re an excellent source of protein and fiber; eating one handful daily could reduce LDL cholesterol and may even lower heart disease risk!
Kashmiri almonds are an irresistibly delicious and healthy treat that can be enjoyed both raw or roasted. Roasting adds a more nutty flavor, perfect for snacking alone, adding them to cereal and yogurt bowls, or adding them as an ingredient in smoothies and oatmeal recipes. They can even be turned into almond milk, which adds even more delicious options!
Kashmir almonds are well known for their high oil content and distinct flavor, and they are an excellent source of magnesium and vitamin E. Their unique nutty taste combined with healthful benefits have made them a top pick among health-minded consumers.
Though Kashmiri badam can be found worldwide, it can be challenging to source outside India. Therefore, purchasing this ingredient online or from specialty stores in North America and Europe may be best. But you could make your version at home by roasting regular almonds until golden brown before grinding them into powder form – this powder could then serve as an alternative source of Kashmiri badam in various recipes.
Pears
Pears have been enjoyed throughout history in the Middle East. Their distinct flavor and texture make them a special treat during any visit to Kashmir, while being packed with essential fiber and vitamin content makes them a nutritious snack option. Pears come in fresh, dried, or canned forms – you can even use them in various recipes!
Horticulture in Kashmir is an integral component of its economy and provides livelihood to over three million people in the state. Furthermore, it helps protect its ecosystem while contributing to local economies – making Kashmir one of the best regions in India to cultivate fruits and vegetables.
As for pear trees, they are grown across the valley but are especially popular for production in the Baramulla and Budgam districts. Naag and seckel varieties are the most widely grown; both produce large volumes of fruit annually, with the former boasting sweet buttery flesh, while seckel varieties feature acidic, less juicy textures.
Due to unpredictable weather patterns, many farmers do not anticipate a bumper harvest this year. Pear prices have also dropped significantly at fruit markets outside the valley – something growers find worrying. But new breeds of pears seem suitable to the climate and topography of this region.
Mulberries
Mulberry, a deciduous shrub in the Moraceae family, is widely cultivated for silk production in temperate areas across the world. Its fruit is eaten by domesticated silkworms (Bombyx mori). Jammu and Kashmir in India has an ideal climate and soil for cultivating this crop as one of its leading producers. Mulberry cultivation requires little maintenance while providing jobs to many residents while providing an essential source of revenue to local economies.
The Mulberry Plant Is an Excellent Source of Nutrients. The Mulberry plant is an outstanding source of nutrition. It is packed full of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber; high levels of antioxidants to combat age-related illnesses while improving immune function; abundant sources of potassium, which regulates blood pressure and helps prevent heart disease; plus its leaves contain phenolic compounds like flavonoids, benzofurans, and alkaloids for added benefits!
Almonds are another popular food in Kashmir. Packed with vitamin E to reduce cholesterol levels, almonds are also an excellent source of fatty acids and proteins – not to mention delicious additions to stews and meat curries! In fact, almonds are one of the staple ingredients used in many Indian dishes, and they are also used as dessert ingredients.
Kashmir is famed for its raisins and sun-dried black grapes that offer an unparalleled experience when eaten dry. Not only are these popularly sold in dry fruit markets across Kashmir, but visitors should definitely sample some before leaving!
Badam
Badam or mama almond is a premium variety of almonds grown in Kashmir’s lush valleys and is packed with protein, healthy fats, and various vitamins and minerals that provide numerous health benefits, including improving heart health, skin health, weight loss, and energy boost. Badam almonds also aid digestion by providing high fiber content, which supports regular bowel movements to lower the risk for digestive disorders.
Kashmiri badam is grown in Kashmir due to its ideal climate, soil conditions, and sparse population. Producing it naturally doesn’t require fertilizers or chemicals – yet still provides essential vitamins like E and magnesium while being packed with antioxidants that protect from free radical damage in our bodies. In addition to these health benefits, Kashmiri badam also boasts its unique flavor!
Kashmiri badam is used in various Indian dishes and desserts, most notably Kesar Ka Halwa (Pink Sugar Halwa). Additionally, Kashmiri badam can also be used to add sweetness to other curries and soups in India.
Kashmiri badam is an excellent source of nutrients and makes a delicious snack that can be eaten raw or roasted, soaked in milk for use as a face mask, and combined with oatmeal to form a healthy breakfast option.
Outside India, finding quality Kashmiri badam can be challenging; however, there are ways you can still access its delicious taste and health benefits. Kashmirica provides an extensive selection of quality products sourced directly from Kashmir itself as a major producer. Furthermore, they offer free shipping as well as money-back guarantees – perfect if you live outside India!
