King Of Fruits: Mango Sale Pick Up Pace In Twin Cities

Shazia Mehboob

Islamabad: With the rise in mercury levels, the markets, shops and makeshift vendors on various roads elsewhere in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad kicked off displaying different varieties of ‘King of Fruit’ mangoes to attract customers.

“Mango milkshake is my favourite juice, and I desperately wait for the summer season to enjoy this delicious fruit and other eatery items with mango flavour,” said Sohial Ahmed, a student based in Rawalpindi.

Ahmed was having a mango juice glass at Faizabad. “Last year, I used to have a glass of mango juice every day or every second day, but I cannot continue that routine because the glass of mango shake, which was around Rs 120 last year, is Rs 200 now,” Ahmed stated.

Pakistani mango varieties are not only popular in Pakistan but across the world due to their diversity and flavours. Pakistani mangoes have more than 600 varieties and are considered one of the best cultivars in the world.

Besides their sweet, delicious and irresistible taste, mangoes also have many health benefits, said Lahore-based Nutritionist Romaisa Mughal.

“Mango is a pack of various nutrients that contains a huge amount of vitamin C, vitamin A, foliate and is high in fibre. Mango can help us maintain heart, eye and gut health,” Romaisa informed.

The mango orchards in Sindh and Punjab are the major source of production in the country. In addition, Multan and Bahawalpur are famous for Sindhri, Langra, Chaunsa, Anwar Ratol, Dussehra, Almas, and Saroli, while in Sindh, first Saroli, then Dussehra, Desi, and finally Sindhri are produced.

Mango is being sold in vast quantities due to its sweet, delicious and irresistible taste, said Samina Ikram, a housewife in Islamabad.

According to Nutritionist Romaisa, a medium-sized, ripe mango has about 135 calories. However, she advised people to make sure their servings of mango do not exceed two a day. One serving contains one medium-sized mango.

Regarding skin benefits, “It is also good for our skin health because it helps in the production of natural collagen. The high antioxidant content helps prevent sun damage and premature ageing.”

Mangoes may also be able to hydrate your skin when applied topically. A vendor at the weekly bazaar in Shamsabad said in Pakistan, mango is being consumed in multiple ways, adding that vendors are also earning a handsome amount because of its booming sale.

Online platforms like Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp groups also present varieties of mango while displaying pictures and videos to attract customers’ online, adding that online sales of fruits also saw a surge.

The main perk of online mango purchases is that mangoes are now delivered right to doorsteps without any additional hassle, said an online customer.