Citizens welcome mango season with open arms in Punjab

Markets and shops boast carts loaded with the ‘king of fruits’

FAISALABAD: Mango season has once again begun and the demand for the ‘king of fruits’ has seen a sharp increase over the past few days. Markets and shops, with carts and displays loaded to the brim with mangoes, can be spotted all across the city.

As mango lovers inundate local shops and markets, vendors can be seen shouting slogans to try and attract people to their produce. There are as many as a dozen varieties of the fruit available in markets, including chaunsa, sindhri, langra, dasheri, anwar ratool and saroli. Each customer buys the fruit according to their own preferences and taste.

Reportedly, the many different varieties of mango are cultivated in different areas of the country such as Multan, Bhakkar, Bahawalpur, Muzaffargarh, Rahim Yar Khan, Hyderabad, Mardan and other areas of Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

A shopkeeper Naveed said that vendors are able to earn a handsome amount because of the fruit. “Many of the shopkeepers display anwar ratool, langera and dasheri as the demand for these varieties is high,” he said. He revealed that one kilogramme can be bought for anywhere between Rs100 to Rs250, depending on the variety.

Mangoes are considered synonymous with celebrations and joy as the fruit is primarily in season during the summertime. As citizens throng to canals and swimming pools to soak in the sunshine, many can be spotted enjoying the fruit by the poolside or at picnics during the weekend.

Some say they consider mangoes to be the perfect sweet dish to wash down a meal consisting of fried food. Speaking to The Express Tribune, local Mehboob Ali said that he regularly buys mangoes. “My family and I eagerly await mango season as soon as summer is here,” he explained.

We typically all gather round and feast on the fruit at least twice a week, in addition to enjoying mango milkshakes, he said. This practice only enhances the nutritional benefits of the fruit, he said.

Another local highlighted that because mangoes are an excellent source of nutrition, consuming the fruit makes him feel more awake and energetic. He added that he also consumes the fruit in the form of juices and shakes.

Nutritionist Dr Benish termed the fruit a complete form of nutrition. “Mangoes are full of vitamin A, B and C which are beneficial for the body,” she said. She added that mangoes are particularly good for those suffering from acidity and constipation. Mangoes are also used to treat iron deficiencies, she stated.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 17^th, 2019.