Cracking the Nuts

From where: In the last 30 years,Afghan imports have given way to sweet,big and uniformly shaped almonds from the US. In 2008-9,11 lakh kilos of almonds came from the US. The number rose to 36 lakh kilos in 2009-10. Afghan imports were 17 lakh kilos in the same period. Traders say that 80 per cent of almonds sold around Diwali are Californian. The desi ones are from Kashmir,which are bitter and not popular.

The star: The most expensive almond is the sweet and nutritious Mamra from Iran.

Price: India imposes an import duty of Rs 35 a kg. Mamra almonds retail at Rs 1,300-1,600 a kg while the Californian and Kabuli ones retail at Rs 350-500 a kg.

Nutrition: Theyre rich in protein,fibre,calcium,magnesium and folic acid. Energy in 100 gms is 655 kcals.

APRICOT

From where: The Indian apricot market is dominated by the Afghanistan variety,though Turkey,the largest producer in the world,ramped up its exports to India this year by 190 per cent over last year. Afghanistans exports fell by almost 50 per cent during the same period.

The star: A variety called 480 from Kabul,because of its looks,taste and size.

Price: The fruit,which astronauts munched on during the Apollo moon mission,retails at Rs 320-500 a kg.

Nutrition: A good source of vitamin A,potassium and iron. Energy in 100 gms is 306 kcals.

WALNUTS

From where: This nut comes from Jammu and Kashmir and is also exported to Europe and West Asia. The Indian walnut boasts a unique flavour. It is cultivated using few pesticides or fertilisers.

The star: The thin-shelled variety that can be easily crushed by hand,Kaghazi,is much in demand during the festive season.

Price: This year,the retail price has shot up to Rs 560-1,000 a kg on account of 25-30 per cent dip in production.

Nutrition: A good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Energy in 100 gms is 687 kcals.

CASHEW

From where: Cashews were brought to India by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Today,we are one of the worlds top producers of cashew. The best varieties come from Karnataka,though Maharashtra and Kerala are the largest producers. Only when supply falls short of demand does India import from Nigeria,Brazil and Vietnam.

The star: A domestic variety called Number 150 because of its size.

Price: Cashew retails at anywhere between Rs 420 and Rs 1,500 a kg.

Nutrition: Cashews pack proteins,vitamins A and E,phosphorus,calcium and iron. Energy in 100 gms is 596 kcals.

PISTACHIO

From where: This slightly salty,beige-coloured nut is dyed in red or green before it reaches the consumer. India gets 80 per cent of its annual supply from Iran and Afghanistan,and the remaining from California. Iranian variety is the best. Its greener and chewier than the others. But the US has upped exports to India this year by almost 160 per cent over last year.

The star: Shahi Akbari from Iran,due to its size,crispness,colour and sweet taste.

Price: The Iranian variety retails at Rs 650-1,000 a kg and the Californian one at Rs 550-800 a kg.

Nutrition: Rich in antioxidants. One serving of pistachios contains 310 mg of potassium,36 per cent of the daily recommended amount. Energy in 100 gms is 626 kcals.

RAISIN

From where: Tiny dried raisins,which are quintessential in any mithai,make their way into gift packs all the way from Afghanistan. India imports,on an average,85 lakh kilos a year from Afghanistan. The best variety comes from Kabul. Though India has started the domestic production of raisins,the desi variety is not reputed to be of great quality.

The star: Sunde Khani from Afghanistan,because its long,very green and sweet.

Price: Indian raisins retail at Rs 180-600 a kg; the Kabul variety sells at Rs 400-1,000 a kg.

Nutrition: Rich in potassium and dietary fibre. Energy in 100 gms is 308 kcals.