Sunday Special Cherry: A Fruit Full Of Health & Wealth
Though every fruit is good for health, India is fortunately rich in terms of the cultivation of many fruits. India is the second-largest producer of fruit and vegetables after China. According to the data of the Indian Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), India produced 204.61 million metric tonnes of vegetables and 107.10 million metric tonnes of fruits. The area under cultivation of fruits stood at 7.09 million hectares in 2021-22.
Apart from being a suitable land for growing fruits, India presents one of the biggest markets for fruit lovers, that pushed The Northwest Cherry Growers (NWCG), a trade association based in the state of Washington in the U.S.A. have launched their promotion campaign in India to introduce this summer’s crop of this delightful fruit to the discerning health-conscious Indian consumers. Ron Verdonk, Minister-Counselor for Agricultural Affairs, Embassy of the United States of America, officially launched the Northwest Cherries campaign in India.
Speaking on the India campaign for Cherries from Northwest, Sumit Saran, In-Country Marketing Representative of NWCG informed that the consumption of cherries in India has witnessed immense growth up to 1400 million tonnes after the pandemic.
He further mentioned that India is considered the big market for cherries due to its large population.
Saran said, “Cherries from the Pacific Northwest USA will be in the market in July and August, perfectly complementing the Indian cherry season. We have chalked out an extensive retail and communication strategy to take this delicious fruit to discerning Indian consumers across the country.”
While talking about the health perspective of cherries, Kavita Devgan, a leading Dietitian, holistic health consultant and an eminent writer said, “Cherries are a delicious and nutritious powerhouse. Packed with antioxidants, fibre, and vitamins, they not only tantalize the taste buds but also nourish the body.”
Devgan counted on the nutritional elements of cherries like melatonin that makes one sleep well, Anthocyanins that calm down the inflammation in the body and an antidote to a high sodium diet.
She also added that cherries are the best source to satisfy the sweet cravings that are not good for the body.
The United States is the biggest producer of cherries; especially in the states of Washington, Utah, Montana and Oregon Idaho.
Verdonk & Keith Hu, Director of International Operations of Northwest Cherry Growers (NWCG) remarked that food is a very important part of India – U.S. trade and they are pleased that freshly-picked cherries from our Pacific Northwest are now added to the basket.
Along with this, famous celebrity Chef Vicky Ratnani prepared a couple of healthy and tasty recipes with a blend of cherries into Indian taste.
In India Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh are the two states which produce cherries however, coming north-western cherries in India will definitely add one more fruit to the Indian plate and strengthen the bilateral ties between India and the USA
