With the arrival of the holy month, markets in the city are being flooded with dates - considered popularly to be the king among the Ramadan season fruits. Unlike previous years, a fresh crop of fruits have arrived from countries like Iraq, UAE, Tunisia, Jordan, Madina and even Pakistan. The dark reddish-brown drupes, otherwise a rarity, is available in different types and varieties in the market.
Date fruit holds a vital position among the sumptuous variety of food served to break the fast. Muslims consider it mandatory to open their fast by eating the fruit, even before drinking water. Hassan Haji, an elderly businessman from SRM street in Kaloor says, “The story of date fruit dates back to antiquity. The sacred fruit, namely, Ajwa, was first planted and grown by Prophet Mohammad.” Ajwa date, that is delightfully soft with a fine texture is available in the markets of the city. The price starts from Rs 2000 per kg.
This Iftar season, more than 30 types of dates are available in the market. “Rezizi, Khlas, Sukri, Sefri, Ambar are five of the most popular types available in the Kerala market. As humid climate is necessary for growing the fruit, there is not much yield in the country, except the yellow and red dates brought from Rajasthan, the price of which ranges between Rs 80 to 100 per kg,” says Suneer, a trader from Kaloor.
Suneer observes that majority of those from the upper middle class purchase the Faraji and Date Crown variety that comes from Tunisia, the price of which starts from Rs 200 per kg. The cheapest variety of the fruit that is available is the Boriwala date that comes from Oman. Its price is approx Rs 46, which makes it the preferred choice of the middle classes. As per estimates coming from the wholesalers in the city, the sales of dates runs into crores. Says a vendor, Shaukath Ali, “The demand for the fruit has skyrocketed during this month. The price has also increased accordingly, which has now become double. The fruit is available in attractive packets and designs, which further increases the price.”
Along with dates, date syrups are also available in different shops.
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