Sweet and juicy Pakistani mangoes a big draw in Qatari markets
The COVID-19 restrictions have proved to be a blessing in disguise for mango lovers as many importers have started home delivery service, which was not the case in the past
QATARI markets are ooded with the ‘King of Fruits’ ever since the mango season kicked off in Pakistan in June. Mango lovers can now fetch their favourite varieties not only at hypermarkets, supermarkets and fruits shops but also at sweet shops, bakeries and restaurants. The COVID-19 restrictions have proved to be a blessing in disguise for mango lovers as many importers have started home delivery service, which was not the case in the past.
“At the advent of the mango season, we imported Sindhri varieties from Sindh but we are now importing Chaunsa, Anwar Retol and Dasehri varieties from Multan and Rahim ar Khan. Besides mangoes, we also import the jamun fruit, which is in high demand in Qatar. Mangoes are available in 3kg and 5kg packings which can be delivered at your doorstep with nominal delivery charges,” said Haseeb Jilani, a leading mango importer.
Chaunsa mangoes, with light yellow colour and thick esh, is the first choice of mango lovers because of its rich aroma, sweet taste, juicy pulp and high nutritious contents.
Jamun, the deep blue or purple colour fruit, has several medicinal and health benefits. It is one of the best home remedies for stomach pain, diabetes and arthritis. The fruit also cures digestive issues like dysentery and atulence. Jamun is also called black plum or java plum and is a fruit of the owering tree called Syzygium cumini.
“Initially I started importing mangoes for my Qatari friends and acquaintances 12 years ago as I believet there is no better gift than mangoes. Seeing the popularity and demand of mangoes, I decided to import mangoes on regular basis for commercial purposes. Currently, we sell mangoes on wholesale basis and also arrange home delivery on request,” said Jilani, who is also a well-known hospitality consultant.
Mango is one of the most popular and best-loved fruits worldwide. Dozens of varieties of mangoes grow in Pakistan, each having its distinct aroma, avour and taste.
“Although, it is expensive but we always import mangoes by air in order to deliver best quality and fresh mangoes to our valued customers. Import of mangoes by sea is not advisable as it takes weeks to reach mangoes in Qatar by sea. Secondly, sea conditions make the mango quality deteriorate.”
Jilani said he is planning to introduce Pakistani mangoes in hotels, restaurants and coffee shops so that people can enjoy juices, milk shakes, cakes and sweets made from the fruit. He said he will also introduce new varieties of mangoes such as Ghulab Khas to Qatari market, which is unique in taste, from the next season.
Mangoes are grown in around 90 tropical and sub-tropical countries in the world including India, China, Mexico, Thailand, the Philippines, Nigeria, Indonesia, Brazil,
Egypt and Pakistan.
The fruit is mostly eaten fresh as a dessert. It is also processed into juices, jams, jellies, nectars as well as crisp mango chips, which are eaten as snacks. Mango is an excellent source of vitamins A, B and C.
Haseeb Jeelani can be contacted on GSM: 55266209 for more details.