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Time of India
14 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Why is UAE becoming one of the biggest markets for Indian mangoes?
A vibrant display of Indian mango varieties, including Alphonso and Kesar, at a Dubai supermarket during peak mango season/ Image: File As the heat rises across the UAE, so does the excitement for mango season, a much-anticipated time when supermarkets and markets brim with luscious Indian mangoes. For many residents, this beloved fruit marks the true start of summer and is deeply woven into the country's culinary culture. The UAE's Massive Appetite for Indian Mangoes The UAE is India's largest overseas market for mangoes, importing a remarkable 15,336 metric tonnes in the 2023-24 financial year alone. This demand is fueled by the UAE's sizeable South Asian community, as well as an expanding local taste for premium, high-quality fruit. What began as a cultural preference has grown into a billion-dirham trade connecting the mango farms of Maharashtra and Gujarat with dinner tables across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and beyond. The Champions of Flavour: Popular Mango Varieties Indian mangoes dominate UAE fruit shelves from April through July, featuring several standout varieties: Alphonso (Hapus): Known as the "King of Mangoes," Alphonso leads the premium segment with its creamy texture and rich sweetness. Despite its higher price, Alphonso mangoes consistently sell out in Dubai's major retail chains, loved for their signature aroma and melt-in-the-mouth quality. Kesar: This saffron-fleshed mango from Gujarat offers a fragrant sweetness with a perfect balance of tartness. Retailers report strong demand among families, noting its popularity with both children and adults for its unique flavour. Tottapuri: Valued for its firm flesh and versatility, Tottapuri mangoes are popular both fresh and in cooking. Their longer shelf life makes them attractive for retailers managing inventory, contributing to steady demand in restaurants and homes alike. Beyond these, other varieties have carved out their own niches: Dasheri: With its elongated shape and sweet flavour, Dasheri appeals to mango connoisseurs. Raja Puri: Known for affordability without sacrificing taste, Raja Puri is a favourite among budget-conscious families, offering smaller but flavourful fruit that sees strong repeat purchases. Badami: Named after a town in Karnataka, Badami mangoes have a buttery texture and rich taste, securing a place in high-end fruit stores in Dubai and Sharjah. Baseri: Offering a traditional Indian sweetness, Baseri mangoes attract those seeking classic flavours. Langra: Despite its green skin, Langra is prized by those who value taste over appearance for its exceptional sweetness. Market Availability and Distribution The Indian mango season in the UAE begins in March, with peak arrivals from April to July, perfectly aligning with India's harvest periods to ensure maximum freshness. More than 20 mango varieties from India, Yemen, Thailand, Peru, and Colombia are available, but Indian varieties maintain the largest market share thanks to strong trade ties and efficient logistics. Dubai's Waterfront Market is a key distribution hub, where wholesale buyers source mangoes for retailers across the Emirates. Its advanced cold storage and ripening facilities help maintain the quality of mangoes during the hot summer months. Specialty stores and online retailers have also adapted to changing consumer preferences by offering pre-orders for premium mango varieties, ensuring customers can secure their favourites during peak demand. Growing Consumer Trends in the UAE Demand in the UAE is evolving beyond traditional favourites. Increasingly, shoppers are seeking organically grown mangoes, with several importers now offering certified organic options from Indian farms. This shift reflects a broader health-conscious trend among UAE consumers who prioritize quality and sustainability. Indian mangoes are not just beloved locally; they enjoy strong international demand in markets such as the US, Europe, and the Middle East. The UAE's strategic location also positions it as a vital re-export hub, forwarding Indian mangoes to regional markets.
India Today
16 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- India Today
Can the mango be considered the most adaptable fruit in cooking and desserts?
In India, mango isn't just a fruit, it's a seasonal obsession. From April to June, these golden treasures command attention in markets and menus, filling the air with their sweet perfume that instantly transports people back to their cherished memories. Indians don't say 'summer has arrived', they say 'mango season is here.'Indiatoday spoke with Neha Deepak Shah, a well-known chef, content creator, and former MasterChef India finalist to get more insights on (Hapus): The Alphonso mango reigns supreme in the world of desserts. Though essential in crafting Shrikhand, Kulfi, and Pune's famous Mastani, this fruit is suitable to be consumed raw as distinctive Totapuri, excels in pickles and chutneys. These aren't mere condiments but edible nostalgia, connecting generations through taste with their perfect balance of salt, spice, and and Langra:Gujarat's Kesar and the Langra from Uttar Pradesh shine in multiple preparations. Their balanced sweetness makes them ideal for aamras, that divine mango pure served with hot puris. Kesar and Langra are also ideal for milkshakes and APPLICATIONS ACROSS COURSES:The mango's remarkable versatility positions it uniquely in Indian cuisine, appearing as an appetizer, main course, and mango: The perfect startUnripe mangoes become zesty chutneys and pickles that balance rich meals with their tartness. Mixed with herbs and spices, they create aam panna, the refreshing summer drink that helps beat the mango: Sweet splendourRipened mangoes become the centrepiece of desserts such as aamras that define summer indulgence. Mango shrikhand balances the fruit's sweetness against yogurt's tang, while mango kulfi dominates the frozen dessert market during a display of culinary sophistication, some regions incorporate the fruit into savoury rice preparations. Mango pulao interweaves aromatic basmati with pieces of semi-ripe fruit, demonstrating how deeply mangoes are woven into the Indian culinary savory spectrum:Mangoes shine in main courses across regional cuisines. Andhra's Mango Dal gains complexity from the fruit's sweet-tart notes. Kerala's Mango curry balances sweetness with robust spicing and coconut richness, while Gujarat's Mango Kadhi transforms yogurt preparations with fruity TECHNIQUESIn India's culinary landscape, necessity has birthed innovation. To extend the pleasure of these ochre-colored treasures beyond their fleeting season, generations have perfected preservation methods that transform mangoes into year-round pantry mango slices:Sun-drying transforms unripe mango slices into amchur! This simple preservation technique yields a seasoning that enlivens everything from hearty stews to street food favourites like chaat, ensuring that mango's bright acidity remains available regardless of with mustard oil:Traditional mango pickles are preservation artistry, maturing over months in mustard oil and balanced spices lasting through the seasons. This slow process develops unmatched depth and complexity, perfectly preserving summer's essence through symbolism:Mango leaves are auspicious in Hindu festivities, decorating entrances as prosperity symbols. Mango motifs appear in traditional Indian textiles and decor, from paisley patterns in silk sarees to carved wooden details—making this fruit a true cultural from kitchen to culture, the mango's unparalleled versatility and deep-rooted significance truly crown it as India's enduring golden treasure.- Ends
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Exclusive - Dipshikkha Nagppal: Always happy to be a part of films that touch upon sensitive issues
Dipshikkha Nagppal will soon be seen in a movie titled Kesar, which also features Arbaaz Khan and Bhumika Chawla . The movie revolves around a cancer patient and her journey, and the actress shared that she prefers to be a part of such movies that leave people inspired. Talking about why she accepted the project, she said, 'The moment the role was offered to me, I immediately said yes. My character is full of life but has her own story, and I felt deeply connected to it and how I support Bhumika's character. The fact that the film deals with how to motivate cancer patients and help them feel normal really moved me. I'm always happy to be a part of films that touch upon sensitive issues or contribute to humanity or women empowerment and societal awareness. ' Her character in the movie is a happy, bubbly person who has her own sad backstory, but she doesn't let it affect her present. She further said, 'She's emotionally attached to Bhumika's character and her family. When Arbaaz's character asks her to help bring happiness to Bhumika's life, she jumps in and becomes a part of their lives like family.' 'It's not a typical negative role—rather, it's very human and layered. She hides her pain but keeps smiling and supporting others,' she added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo The character resonated well with Dipshikkha, as she herself is someone who hides her pain behind her smile. She added, 'Like my character, I've also lost my parents at a young age, and I deeply value health and emotions. This role reminded me how important it is to not ignore your personal life or health. So there's a lot of Dipshikhha in this role—emotionally strong, positive, and supportive.' She also mentioned that Kedar stands out because of the emotional depth it has. 'Earlier, people often cast me in negative, strong roles—like the strict or khadus woman. But lately, I've been getting positive roles with emotional depth, and I'm loving it. Also, shooting for a film gives a different kind of kick—it's not about the budget, it's about the format. That 70mm experience is something else,' Dipshikkha ended. Deepshikha Nagpal Breaks Silence on 'Koyla' Scene Controversy
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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Datanomics: Banana steals mango's crown in India's fruit economy
The Gross Value of Output (GVO) of bananas, adjusted for inflation, surpassed that of mangoes for the second consecutive year in 2023-24 Shikha Chaturvedi New Delhi Listen to This Article Mango, the national fruit of India, is celebrated for its sweet taste, rich cultural symbolism, and wide cultivation across Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Bihar, and Maharashtra. Historically, mangoes have dominated the country's fruit economy in value terms, underscoring their importance to farmers and markets alike. With varieties such as Alphonso, Dasheri, Langra, and Kesar, India is the world's largest mango producer. The fruit is not just a commercial crop, but a traditional part of India's culture and cuisine — used in everything from pickles to desserts to juices.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
American influencer who moved to India says she can never leave the country. Her reason: Mangoes
Netizens react For most expats, life in India brings a whirlwind of colour, culture, and chaos. But for Kristen Fischer , an American mom living in Delhi, one sweet reason stands out above all: mangoes. While others rave about yoga retreats and heritage monuments, Kristen has fallen hard for India's summer superstar—the mango. And she's not even trying to hide her a recent Instagram video, Kristen shared a candid moment of snacking on slices of the king of fruits, calling Indian mangoes 'one of the best-tasting things on the planet.' She added, with her signature wit, that mangoes are the reason she's willing to brave Delhi's scorching heat. 'This mama said it's okay to eat an abundance of mango during the summer,' she wrote, confessing that she tries to consume 'a year's worth of mangoes in one season.'Kristen, who frequently posts about everything from chole bhature cravings to India's affordable healthcare, ended on a fruity note: 'I can never leave India because I am completely obsessed with mango season .' Can you blame her?Many users chimed in with their love for mangoes, pointing out that May and June are the peak months to enjoy the sweetest varieties. With just about a week left in the season, mango lovers are making the most of it. From the rich, juicy Kesar to the ever-popular Alphonso, enthusiasts agreed that Indian mangoes are unmatched, and many admitted to indulging in them daily for the past three you agree with her?
