Demand for chestnuts on rise in Srinagar with onset of winter
Srinagar, Nov. 13 (ANI)
Demand for chestnuts has increased manifold here with the onset of winter season, as health experts recommend the same for their nutritive value.
The fruit is climbing the popularity charts not only in Kashmir, but also worldwide because of its high nutritional value, low availability and sweet taste.
Abdul Rashid, a chestnut grower-cum-seller here, said that there is a surge in sales of chestnuts despite the fruit being quite expensive.
"People eat chestnuts during winters, as it keeps them warm. It is costlier than the water chestnuts and also in huge demand," said Rashid.
Showket Ahmad, a customer here, said that the chestnuts are in great demand during the winters for it helps to keep the body warm.
"There are two varieties of chestnuts, one that grows under the floating leaves and the other on trees. It is quite famous among the locals and the tourists. It is a delicious and sweet fruit," said Ahmad.
The sweet tasting, aromatic-cum exotic fruit that grows under the floating leaves and drops off when ripe, can be scooped out using a net while the one that grows on trees is plucked manually.
Kashmir produces not only high-end varieties of some fruits like apples, peaches, plum and cherries, but also the finest variety of chestnuts.
For the people here, the very arrival of chestnuts in the market is an indication that winter is on its way.
Moreover, the production of chestnuts provides employment to thousands of people in Jammu and Kashmir.