Watermelons crown iftar tables

Light on the pocket but high on nutrition and health benefits, the fruit is a favourite in Ramazan

ISLAMABAD: As Ramazan began, the demand for watermelon surged as people sought out the nutritious fruit which not only helps quench the thirst after a long day spent fasting in the scorching heat but also provides energy to the body.

The fruit is usually quite cheap, earning it a moniker ‘do-anna’ or ‘two Annas’.

Given its juicy nature – with 92 per cent of the fruit consisting of water, some have called for it to be crowned as the official fruit of summer.



No other fruit shouts summer quite like watermelon. It could be its refreshing taste or even the burst of colour that adds vividness to your plate. In fact, there’s more to tarbooz than just its flavour; it boasts some commanding health benefits, too.

Apart from its water and sugar content, the fruit is also packed with a host of key nutrients such as vitamins A, B-6, and C, lycopene, antioxidants and amino acids.

There is even a modest amount of potassium.



Being fat-free, with low sodium and calories, only 40 calories per cup, watermelon is a hot favourite these days, with children, young or elderly.

During Ramazan, many homes consider watermelon to be an essential ingredient for the iftar spread.

“Foods that are high in antioxidants and amino acids allow your body to function optimally,” a dietician Dr Asad Khan said.

Antioxidants help prevent cellular damage and cancer, while amino acids comprise the basic building blocks of protein – which is used for virtually every vital function in the body, he said.

A watermelon trader with his inventory. PHOTO: FILE 

The fruit also helps keep kidneys healthy because it contains potassium, which is very helpful in cleaning or washing off the toxic depositions in the kidneys. Moreover, it is helpful in reducing the concentration of uric acid in the blood, thereby lowering the chances of kidney damage and formation of kidney stones. Additionally, it helps prevent dehydration due to its high water content, it induces frequent urinating, which is again helpful for cleaning of kidneys.

Ahmed Khan, a fruit seller at the Aabpara market said that demand for watermelon remains high throughout the summer. But with the advent of Ramazan, its demand surges by up to four times.



Price is also an issue when compared with other fruits.

During peak sales, the price of watermelon can rise to around Rs50 per kilogramme, compared to the normal rate of Rs30 per kg.

Replying to a question about complaints of profiteering and skyrocketing prices of fruits during Ramazan, Khan said, “Street vendors buy watermelons from the wholesale market for Rs20 per kg, so how can we sell it at a lower price.”

However, people complained that vendors usually unilaterally hike prices during Ramzan to boost their profits.

They urged the concerned authorities and designated market committees to take serious notice of the issue and deal with the culprits with iron hands so that common man can get relief during the fasting month.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 6^th, 2017.