According to EastFruit, Egypt, renowned for its ancient pyramids and vibrant culture, also boasts another treasure hidden in its fertile lands: a bounty of winter fruits. This abundance is no accident, as Egypt’s rich soil and favorable climate contribute to a diverse and constant supply of fresh produce throughout the year.
According to BusinessTodayEgypt. Egypt has seen an increase in its fruit and vegetable exports during the period from January to August 2024. Notably, the export value of vegetables and fruits with shells rose to $76.565 million, up from $60.958 million in the same period of 2023, marking an increase of about $15.607 million.
According to the report from Mohamed El Mansy, Head of the Egyptian Agricultural Quarantine Egypt’s agricultural exports, from January to October 16 2024, surpassed 6.9 million tons, valued at $4.04 billion. This marks an increase of $980 million and over 574,000 tons compared to the previous year. Leading the exports were citrus fruits with 2,274,295 tons, followed by fresh potatoes at 973,130 tons. Onions, fresh and dried beans, grapes, and mangoes also saw significant exports, underscoring Egypt’s growing impact in global markets. Additionally, orange juice, a key export, reached a significant $90.506 million, showing a substantial increase from $33.936 million in the previous year, with a net rise of $56.570 million. These figures highlight Egypt’s growing role as a top player in the fruit export market.
Read also: Egypt doubles direct exports of mandarins to Poland last season
For Egyptians, embracing seasonal eating—consuming food at its natural harvest time—not only ensures access to fresher and more nutrient-dense produce but also supports local farmers and strengthens the country’s connection to its land. As winter unfolds, one fruit category takes center stage: citrus
Top Winter Fruits You Should Consider
Citrus
Winter in Egypt is synonymous with a bright, juicy profile of citrus fruits, dominating markets and households alike. Known for their vibrant hues and refreshing taste, oranges, tangerines, and limes are at their peak during this season. The Nile Delta and Upper Egypt regions are prominent in producing these prized crops, solidifying Egypt’s status as a leading global citrus exporter.
The 2023/24 agricultural year marked a milestone, with Egypt exporting a remarkable 2.3 million tons of citrus—an achievement underscoring its growing influence in the global citrus market. Notably, Egypt holds the prestigious title of the world’s largest orange exporter, commanding an impressive 45 percent share of the European Union (EU)’s orange imports. This burgeoning export sector plays a vital role in bolstering Egypt’s national economy.
Oranges
At the pinnacle of Egypt’s winter fruit offerings stands the illustrious orange. A potent ally against winter colds, oranges are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and soluble fiber. These nutrients offer numerous health benefits, from boosting immunity to reducing risks of kidney stones, cholesterol, and even certain cancers. While consuming whole oranges or fresh orange juice provides the most benefits, oranges are versatile; consider making a delightful orange vinaigrette by combining orange juice, parsley, honey, Dijon mustard, and balsamic vinegar—a perfect addition to fresh salads.
Pomegranates
A classic winter fruit, pomegranates are renowned for their juicy seeds bursting with flavor and packed with antioxidants. Perfect for eating raw, sprinkling on salads, or juicing.
Pumpkins
Noble pumpkins are much more than just a decoration. Doctors recommend pumpkins because they are high in fiber and nutrients, and they may even help you sleep better at night. Although pumpkin isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, the cooking possibilities are practically endless; pumpkin soup is a classic, but you can also make spiced pumpkin biscuits, potato-pumpkin mash, or even a pumpkin cinnamon pie.
Beetroots
Beetroots are high in magnesium, copper, iron, and phosphorus, and are an excellent source of antioxidants, which aid in the purification of the blood and liver. While the beetroot is mostly used in savory dishes in Egyptian cuisine, its natural sweetness lends it to desserts and as a great contrast in savory dishes. It’s simple to incorporate it into a salad, but some of the more health-conscious Egyptians prefer to incorporate it into their morning smoothies — it seems funny, but it makes sense when you think about it.
Persimmons
Also known as the kaki fruit (or, in Egypt, the much more appealing kaka), this exotic fruit is high in vitamins A, C, E, and B6. They’re high in anti-cancer and anti-aging compounds, and they’re not as uncommon in Cairo as one might imagine. Persimmons, which resemble a mutant tomato, are wonderful whether eaten fresh, dried, uncooked, or cooked. One of the more inventive applications of the fruit is in sorbet, which is wonderful, but they’re also commonly found in trail mixes.
Tangerines
First and foremost, we must all agree that tangerines, like clementines and mandarins, are not simply “little oranges.” Yes, they’re both from the same family, but their flavor and nutritional characteristics are quite different. Tangerines, like oranges, are high in vitamin C and can help you combat the cold. They are, however, well-known for their ability to combat arthritis and skin ailments. Tangerines are available all winter long, and Egyptians use them to create various dishes or enjoy them fresh.
Embrace the vibrant world of winter fruits from Egypt. They not only spice up your meals but also contribute significantly to your health by providing essential vitamins and minerals. Enjoy experimenting with these versatile options this season!
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