Known for their golden yellow colour, sweet aroma, and tropical taste, mangoes are a favourite summer treat enjoyed by many. And as the summer heat kicks in, residents across the UAE are heading to the stores to get their fix of this seasonal fruit.
While mangoes from various countries around the world are available here, one nation stands out as a crowd-favourite. Pakistani mangoes are among the most popular and widely consumed fruits in the UAE. But what is it that makes them so in demand?
The secret behind the success of the ‘king of fruits’ starts back at the farms.
As the national fruit of Pakistan, mangoes are grown with great care and attention. They are largely cultivated in the Sindh and Punjab provinces, while some small-scale farming is also done in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Due to the climate differences, Sindh has slightly warmer temperatures that lead to an earlier harvest than in other regions. Thus, the first batch of mangoes in every season often come from Sindh, while Punjab-grown mangoes often arrive July through August.
Each region also hosts its own unique varieties. For instance, Sindh has household types like Sindhri, while Anwar Ratol varieties are popular in Punjab. Overall, Pakistan is home to more than 100 varieties of mangoes, including Langra, Dussehri, Fajri, Saroli, and more.
When it comes to shipping, they are typically exported in cardboard boxes or wooden crates, and often come in varieties of sizes like 5kg, 8kg, 10kg, and more.
Evidently, one of the reasons behind the mango popularity in the UAE is the large Pakistani and overall South Asian diaspora in the Emirates. To fulfil these demands, large imports of the fruit are made to the country, making UAE one of the leading countries where Pakistan mangoes are shipped.
The distinct taste of Pakistani mangoes, especially Sindhri, Chaunsa, and Anwar Ratol varieties, have also made it a highly sought after fruit for everyone in the UAE. Pakistan also ensures that only the highest quality mangoes are exported overseas, maintaining a quality standard every time that adds to their appeal.
