The increasing cold weather in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad has raised the business of dry fruits too.
During winters, dry fruits tend to keep people warm, hence their usage is important. A large number of people are usually seen at dry fruit shops and stalls in various markets of the twin cities. Vendors have started taking undue advantage of the situation by increasing the prices of different dry fruit items.
Almond and peanut are a favorite as their demand is higher.
The number of vendors selling dry fruits has also increased as they can be seen along every roadside near bus stands and in markets.
According to the Nutritionist Dr. Arif Majeed dry fruits also increase stamina before exercise as the nuts help in increasing metabolic rates and a good source of energy and fiber.
Antioxidants in dry raisins and plums are twice as potent and full of minerals as compared to fresh fruits.
Dry fruit do not contain fat, cholesterol, or sodium, Vitamin A thiamine or riboflavin.
The prices of dry fruits, including almond, pistachio, walnuts, dates, cashew nut, dried apricot, coconut, fig and peanut increase in winter with an increase in their demand.
Salim Khan, a roadside vendor of dry fruits in Faizabad Market, told that dry fruits were mostly used in winter season to get relief from cold and argued that the rates were normal and there was no price hike.
He said dry fruit vendors sell dry fruits at high prices as they themselves purchase it at high rates from other cities.
