12 Mar
Pakistan Fruits and Vegetables

Pakistani Rice

There are more than 39,000 different rice varieties world over. Most of the world’s rice is consumed in the area in which it is grown. Only around 6% is traded internationally. However, about 10% are grown commercially. Asian farmers produce about 90% of the total. World rice production in 2007 was approximately 645 million tonnes with over 114 countries growing rice.

Nearly half the world’s 7.4 billion population eat rice as part of their staple diet and demand is expected to grow by 50 per cent by 2030. The average person in some parts of Asia eats 40-60kg each year.

Pakistani Rice

Pakistan is the producer of the world’s finest long grain aromatic basmati rice.

Basmati, the king of rice, is held in the highest regard world over. Among all the other varieties of rice, none have the distinctive long grains or the subtle aroma for which this grain is considered so special. This also justifies the premium this rice commands against all other rice of the world.

It takes birth in the most fertile valleys and plains of Pakistan. It is harvested by hand with delicate care, aged to perfection and then processed. The result is an extra long, pearly white, delicate grain with an irresistible aroma and delectable taste bringing alive an age of nawabs and emperors, glittering courts and legendary chefs.

The legend says that basmati rice was meant to be consumed by maharajas (kings), maharanis (queens), princes and royal families. This unique rice is just one crop a year grown only in Pakistan and northern India, the region known as old Punjab – the land of five rivers originating from Himalayas.

12 Mar
Pakistan Fruits and Vegetables

Oranges

Pakistan grows citrus fruit over an area of 206,569 hectares in all the four provinces with total production of around 2.5 million tons.

Punjab produces over 98% of the fruit mainly in Sargodha district because of its favourable growing conditions and adequate canal and sub-soil water. Kinnow constitutes 80% of the citrus fruit and is a major export commodity.

Application of modern techniques and traditional practices at all stages of growth and during the post-harvest phase can not only add value to the fruit which attracts premium prices but can also increase exports which fetch foreign exchange.

Citrus Research Institute Sargodha is responsible for undertaking research and development work on kinnow and other citrus varieties, besides the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (Parc).

Pakistan is the 12th largest producer of kinnow in the world but the fruit is losing its vigour in the country because of diseases, low yield, poor quality and lack of international compatibility with the much liked seedless kinnow. Pakistan may lose even the existing export markets if challenges are not adequately and timely addressed.

12 Mar
Pakistan Fruits and Vegetables

Bananas

Mango season is here and World can’t contain their excitement for Pakistani Mangoes

Banana is a major fruit crop of Pakistan. It is grown on 34,800 hectares with production of 154,800 tons. It is mainly grown in Sindh province where the soil and climatic conditions are favorable for its successful cultivation. The total share of Sindh province alone in its cultivation is 87 per cent.

Banana is the premier fruit of Asia and the Pacific. It is one of the most cultivated fruits in Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Bangladesh, the South Pacific island countries, India and Pakistan. Banana also occupies an important position in the agricultural economy of Australia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, and Southern China.

Pakistani Banana

Scientifically classified in the genus Musa, bananas are fast-growing giant herbs from the same family as lilies and orchids. They are the largest plants on Earth without a woody stem like that of a tree trunk.

A cultivated banana plant does not grow from a seed, but rather from a bulb-like structure called a corm. The “trunk” of the plant, called the “pseudo stem,” rises from the corm and is made of sheaths of overlapping leaves tightly wrapped around each other like celery stalks. Emerging from the centre of the pseudo stem, 4-15 frond-like leaves unfurl at a rate of one per week in optimal conditions as the plant grows. The leaves extend upward and outward, forming broad glossy blades up to 9 feet (2.7 m) long and 2 feet (0.6 m) wide.

Once the plant has produced a certain number of leaves, the flowering stem, called the “inflorescence,” also grows up through the pseudo stem. At first, it is a large tapered purplish bud. As the bud opens, groups of tubular white flowers are revealed. Both male and female flowers are present, and the fruit (technically a berry) develop from the females without pollination. As the young bananas grow, they resemble slender green “fingers.” A cluster of mature fruit becomes a “hand,” and under the weight of the bananas the stem bends down toward the ground. As bananas ripen, they turn from green to yellow or red depending on the variety. A single banana plant can produce 100-300 individual fruits, and can reach a height of more than 30 feet (9 m).

The time for a plant to grow and bear fruit varies, depending on climate and variety, but generally can take anywhere from 10 to 15 months, it takes approx. 9 months in case of 2nd generation and so on. During that time, the plants are susceptible to drought and wind damage because the pseudo stem is 93 percent water. Severe windstorms can knock down acres of plants, and many growers will prop their crops with sturdy poles or overhead cables. Growers may also cover the fruit with a transparent plastic bag, which provides protection from insects, birds, and leaf damage, yet allows sunlight to penetrate. Once a banana plant bears fruit, it dies, and new shoots grow from the corm. Thus, bananas can be grown and harvested year-round.

12 Mar
Pakistan Fruits and Vegetables

Chaunsa Mango

Mango season is here and World can’t contain their excitement for Pakistani Mangoes

Temperatures are soaring across the country and you can already say that summer in Pakistan is in full swing. While the heat may be unbearable, summer does signal in the start of mango season in the country.

Known as the King of Fruit, mangoes are highly popular among Pakistanis. The fruit is high in fibre, low in calories and contains a small amount of carbohydrates, calcium, iron, potassium and a little protein. Mangoes are also rich in vitamins A, B and C.

Considered one of the sweetest fruits in the world, mangoes come in several varieties.

Chausa Mango Pakistan

Chausa

The Chaunsa mango of Pakistan is one of the worlds’ top available varieties. Chaunsa is a variety of mango grown in different parts of the world, but it is originally from Rahim Yar Khan and Multan in Punjab.

It is an exceptionally sweet mango with a wonderful fragrance and deliciously soft, succulent flesh with only the minimum of fibre.

25 Feb
Pakistan Fruits and Vegetables

A Dozen More Reasons to Eat Fruits and Veggies

As a Registered Dietitian who works in the Supermarket, I’m always sharing my tips with our guests for fun ways to make fruits and vegetables easy and more convenient to eat. Often, individuals lack the time to prep fruits and veggies, which may reduce the amount of fruits and vegetables they eat in a day.

These 10 Fruit and Veggie Hacks have always worked for me and I hope you can find a few new ones that you’ll try for yourself!

Watermelon Sticks
I grew up eating large triangle-shape slices of watermelon on hot summer days. It was quick for my parents to prep, but it was always a little messy with watermelon juice running from cheek to cheese. Rather than slicing it in triangles, or taking the extra time to cube it, try watermelon sticks! Simply cut the watermelon in half. Then, make perpendicular cuts, about 1 inch apart to make large watermelon sticks.

Shucking Corn on the Cob
Fresh corn on the cob in the peak of summer tastes so good! But if you’re like me, you get a bit frustrated with all the hairs when you remove the husk.

The easiest way to shuck corn without all the mess is to start by microwaving the corn on the cob (with the husk on) for 4 minutes. Tip: if you have 2 ears of corn, cook for 8 minutes in the microwave. Then, carefully cut off the root end. You can use a towel to help hold the corn, as it will be hot. Then, carefully slide your corn right out of the husk!

Speed up the Ripening Process
I love pears, but I often wish I didn’t have to wait as long for them to ripen. Instead I put them in a bowl on the counter next to bananas, which release ethylene gas, and in turn, causes the pears to ripen much faster. They are then ready to use for a simple snack, or you can pair them with your favorite cheese for an easy appetizer.

Chop and Freeze for easy Meal Starters
If you’re like me, you cry with the first slice into an onion, but I love the flavor they bring to so many dishes. Next time you’re cutting an onion, go at it and chop up more than you need and store the rest in a plastic freezer bag and pop into the freezer. If I’m feeling ahead of the game, I’ll freeze small bags of chopped onions, celery and carrots to have a perfect base for soup, pot pie, or a hot dish (yes, I am from Minnesota!). You can even freeze onions and chopped bell pepper to add in with eggs for a quick breakfast omelet.

Store Cut Avocados with Onions to Prevent Browning
Speaking of onions, they can also help prevent your deliciously sliced avocados from browning! I love avocados, but sometimes I don’t eat a whole one all at once. To help prevent my sliced avocado from browning, I pop it in an air tight container with some large slices of red onion. It keeps for 1-2 days.

25 Feb
Pakistan Fruits and Vegetables

Be Good to Your Heart with Fruits & Vegetables

As a Registered Dietitian who works in the Supermarket, I’m always sharing my tips with our guests for fun ways to make fruits and vegetables easy and more convenient to eat. Often, individuals lack the time to prep fruits and veggies, which may reduce the amount of fruits and vegetables they eat in a day.

These 10 Fruit and Veggie Hacks have always worked for me and I hope you can find a few new ones that you’ll try for yourself!

Watermelon Sticks
I grew up eating large triangle-shape slices of watermelon on hot summer days. It was quick for my parents to prep, but it was always a little messy with watermelon juice running from cheek to cheese. Rather than slicing it in triangles, or taking the extra time to cube it, try watermelon sticks! Simply cut the watermelon in half. Then, make perpendicular cuts, about 1 inch apart to make large watermelon sticks.

Shucking Corn on the Cob
Fresh corn on the cob in the peak of summer tastes so good! But if you’re like me, you get a bit frustrated with all the hairs when you remove the husk.

The easiest way to shuck corn without all the mess is to start by microwaving the corn on the cob (with the husk on) for 4 minutes. Tip: if you have 2 ears of corn, cook for 8 minutes in the microwave. Then, carefully cut off the root end. You can use a towel to help hold the corn, as it will be hot. Then, carefully slide your corn right out of the husk!

Speed up the Ripening Process
I love pears, but I often wish I didn’t have to wait as long for them to ripen. Instead I put them in a bowl on the counter next to bananas, which release ethylene gas, and in turn, causes the pears to ripen much faster. They are then ready to use for a simple snack, or you can pair them with your favorite cheese for an easy appetizer.

Chop and Freeze for easy Meal Starters
If you’re like me, you cry with the first slice into an onion, but I love the flavor they bring to so many dishes. Next time you’re cutting an onion, go at it and chop up more than you need and store the rest in a plastic freezer bag and pop into the freezer. If I’m feeling ahead of the game, I’ll freeze small bags of chopped onions, celery and carrots to have a perfect base for soup, pot pie, or a hot dish (yes, I am from Minnesota!). You can even freeze onions and chopped bell pepper to add in with eggs for a quick breakfast omelet.

Store Cut Avocados with Onions to Prevent Browning
Speaking of onions, they can also help prevent your deliciously sliced avocados from browning! I love avocados, but sometimes I don’t eat a whole one all at once. To help prevent my sliced avocado from browning, I pop it in an air tight container with some large slices of red onion. It keeps for 1-2 days.

25 Feb
Pakistan Fruits and Vegetables

The Greatest Fruit & Vegetables in Summers

As a Registered Dietitian who works in the Supermarket, I’m always sharing my tips with our guests for fun ways to make fruits and vegetables easy and more convenient to eat. Often, individuals lack the time to prep fruits and veggies, which may reduce the amount of fruits and vegetables they eat in a day.

These 10 Fruit and Veggie Hacks have always worked for me and I hope you can find a few new ones that you’ll try for yourself!

Watermelon Sticks
I grew up eating large triangle-shape slices of watermelon on hot summer days. It was quick for my parents to prep, but it was always a little messy with watermelon juice running from cheek to cheese. Rather than slicing it in triangles, or taking the extra time to cube it, try watermelon sticks! Simply cut the watermelon in half. Then, make perpendicular cuts, about 1 inch apart to make large watermelon sticks.

Shucking Corn on the Cob
Fresh corn on the cob in the peak of summer tastes so good! But if you’re like me, you get a bit frustrated with all the hairs when you remove the husk.

The easiest way to shuck corn without all the mess is to start by microwaving the corn on the cob (with the husk on) for 4 minutes. Tip: if you have 2 ears of corn, cook for 8 minutes in the microwave. Then, carefully cut off the root end. You can use a towel to help hold the corn, as it will be hot. Then, carefully slide your corn right out of the husk!

Speed up the Ripening Process
I love pears, but I often wish I didn’t have to wait as long for them to ripen. Instead I put them in a bowl on the counter next to bananas, which release ethylene gas, and in turn, causes the pears to ripen much faster. They are then ready to use for a simple snack, or you can pair them with your favorite cheese for an easy appetizer.

Chop and Freeze for easy Meal Starters
If you’re like me, you cry with the first slice into an onion, but I love the flavor they bring to so many dishes. Next time you’re cutting an onion, go at it and chop up more than you need and store the rest in a plastic freezer bag and pop into the freezer. If I’m feeling ahead of the game, I’ll freeze small bags of chopped onions, celery and carrots to have a perfect base for soup, pot pie, or a hot dish (yes, I am from Minnesota!). You can even freeze onions and chopped bell pepper to add in with eggs for a quick breakfast omelet.

Store Cut Avocados with Onions to Prevent Browning
Speaking of onions, they can also help prevent your deliciously sliced avocados from browning! I love avocados, but sometimes I don’t eat a whole one all at once. To help prevent my sliced avocado from browning, I pop it in an air tight container with some large slices of red onion. It keeps for 1-2 days.

25 Feb
Pakistan Fruits and Vegetables

Hacks To Keep Your Food Fresh Longer

As a Registered Dietitian who works in the Supermarket, I’m always sharing my tips with our guests for fun ways to make fruits and vegetables easy and more convenient to eat. Often, individuals lack the time to prep fruits and veggies, which may reduce the amount of fruits and vegetables they eat in a day.

These 10 Fruit and Veggie Hacks have always worked for me and I hope you can find a few new ones that you’ll try for yourself!

Watermelon Sticks
I grew up eating large triangle-shape slices of watermelon on hot summer days. It was quick for my parents to prep, but it was always a little messy with watermelon juice running from cheek to cheese. Rather than slicing it in triangles, or taking the extra time to cube it, try watermelon sticks! Simply cut the watermelon in half. Then, make perpendicular cuts, about 1 inch apart to make large watermelon sticks.

Shucking Corn on the Cob
Fresh corn on the cob in the peak of summer tastes so good! But if you’re like me, you get a bit frustrated with all the hairs when you remove the husk.

The easiest way to shuck corn without all the mess is to start by microwaving the corn on the cob (with the husk on) for 4 minutes. Tip: if you have 2 ears of corn, cook for 8 minutes in the microwave. Then, carefully cut off the root end. You can use a towel to help hold the corn, as it will be hot. Then, carefully slide your corn right out of the husk!

Speed up the Ripening Process
I love pears, but I often wish I didn’t have to wait as long for them to ripen. Instead I put them in a bowl on the counter next to bananas, which release ethylene gas, and in turn, causes the pears to ripen much faster. They are then ready to use for a simple snack, or you can pair them with your favorite cheese for an easy appetizer.

Chop and Freeze for easy Meal Starters
If you’re like me, you cry with the first slice into an onion, but I love the flavor they bring to so many dishes. Next time you’re cutting an onion, go at it and chop up more than you need and store the rest in a plastic freezer bag and pop into the freezer. If I’m feeling ahead of the game, I’ll freeze small bags of chopped onions, celery and carrots to have a perfect base for soup, pot pie, or a hot dish (yes, I am from Minnesota!). You can even freeze onions and chopped bell pepper to add in with eggs for a quick breakfast omelet.

Store Cut Avocados with Onions to Prevent Browning
Speaking of onions, they can also help prevent your deliciously sliced avocados from browning! I love avocados, but sometimes I don’t eat a whole one all at once. To help prevent my sliced avocado from browning, I pop it in an air tight container with some large slices of red onion. It keeps for 1-2 days.

23 Feb
Pakistan Fruits and Vegetables

Celebrate National Nutrition Month

As a Registered Dietitian who works in the Supermarket, I’m always sharing my tips with our guests for fun ways to make fruits and vegetables easy and more convenient to eat. Often, individuals lack the time to prep fruits and veggies, which may reduce the amount of fruits and vegetables they eat in a day.

These 10 Fruit and Veggie Hacks have always worked for me and I hope you can find a few new ones that you’ll try for yourself!

Watermelon Sticks
I grew up eating large triangle-shape slices of watermelon on hot summer days. It was quick for my parents to prep, but it was always a little messy with watermelon juice running from cheek to cheese. Rather than slicing it in triangles, or taking the extra time to cube it, try watermelon sticks! Simply cut the watermelon in half. Then, make perpendicular cuts, about 1 inch apart to make large watermelon sticks.

Shucking Corn on the Cob
Fresh corn on the cob in the peak of summer tastes so good! But if you’re like me, you get a bit frustrated with all the hairs when you remove the husk.

The easiest way to shuck corn without all the mess is to start by microwaving the corn on the cob (with the husk on) for 4 minutes. Tip: if you have 2 ears of corn, cook for 8 minutes in the microwave. Then, carefully cut off the root end. You can use a towel to help hold the corn, as it will be hot. Then, carefully slide your corn right out of the husk!

Speed up the Ripening Process
I love pears, but I often wish I didn’t have to wait as long for them to ripen. Instead I put them in a bowl on the counter next to bananas, which release ethylene gas, and in turn, causes the pears to ripen much faster. They are then ready to use for a simple snack, or you can pair them with your favorite cheese for an easy appetizer.

Chop and Freeze for easy Meal Starters
If you’re like me, you cry with the first slice into an onion, but I love the flavor they bring to so many dishes. Next time you’re cutting an onion, go at it and chop up more than you need and store the rest in a plastic freezer bag and pop into the freezer. If I’m feeling ahead of the game, I’ll freeze small bags of chopped onions, celery and carrots to have a perfect base for soup, pot pie, or a hot dish (yes, I am from Minnesota!). You can even freeze onions and chopped bell pepper to add in with eggs for a quick breakfast omelet.

Store Cut Avocados with Onions to Prevent Browning
Speaking of onions, they can also help prevent your deliciously sliced avocados from browning! I love avocados, but sometimes I don’t eat a whole one all at once. To help prevent my sliced avocado from browning, I pop it in an air tight container with some large slices of red onion. It keeps for 1-2 days.