Fruit cultivation
is big business in India. The country is one of the largest and most varied
fruit-producing nations in the world, accounting for around 40 % of tropical
fruits cultivated globally. Although fruit is grown throughout the country,
some of the major fruit-producing states include Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar
Pradesh and Gujarat. Here's a quick guide to some of India's fruitiest states
and how those fruits are used in Indian cuisine.
Mangoes
Bananas
The Jalgaon district of Maharashtra has earned the rather enviable reputation
of being the "banana capital of India". In a country with such
prolific fruit production this is an impressive accolade indeed. Jalgaon contributes
more than 16% of India's total banana production, with 48,000 hectares of land
dedicated to banana plantations. The South Indian dish raw banana curry is one
that really showcases the fruit; made from raw bananas (as the name would
suggest) and seasoned with mustard seeds, green chillies, curry leaves, grated
coconut and fresh coriander, it is the perfect balance of hot and sweet.
Grapes
The majority of India's grape cultivation takes place in Nashik in
north-western Maharashtra (the city is famous for onions and tomatoes, too).
Nashik has an ideal climate for growing grapes and the grapes produced here are
exported around the world. The seedless variety is particularly popular with
the international market. In India, grape juice is a popular drink, and grapes
are also used in meat dishes and incorporated into favourites such as raita.
Oranges
Known as "Orange City", Nagpur is the second capital of the state of
Maharashtra. More than 20,000 hectares of land are dedicated to the cultivation
of oranges. There are two seasons in the orange growing calendar - ambiya and
mrig. The oranges produced during the mrig season are the bigger, sweeter,
juicier crop. Popular desserts such as kheer and halwa are adapted to include
oranges when they are in season.
Chiku
Not heard of chiku fruit before? Commonly known as sapota, the fruit has a
smooth creamy texture and is believed to have a number of health benefits. As
with all fruit in India it is made into deliciously sweet shakes as well as
desserts - such as chiku barfi, made using condensed milk and chiku puree. Kids
(and adults) love it.
If you have a taste
for all things fruity then you should head to one of London's fine-dining
Indian restaurants and find out what "fruity little numbers" are on
the menu.
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