Apple Harvesting in Kashmir

Apple is the major fruit that is cultivated in Kashmir. It is cultivated in all parts of the valley along with walnuts, pears and pomegranates. Kashmiri Apple is famous in all the parts of world with its distinct taste and color.

Apple cultivation started in Kashmir almost a century ago. It is said that Apple farming was introduced in Kashmir by the English colonialists. When they saw the rich fertile land along with suitable climatic conditions in Kashmir, they introduced the apple varieties now known as Delicious Apple and Kashur Ambur.

Also see, Saffron in Kashmir

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Varieties of Kashmiri Apple in Kashmir

  1. Red Delicious: Red Delicious Apples are mostly red in color when they are ripe. They always have a crisp texture, have a more watery substance and are always the best choice for snacking. They are also the most grown variety in Kashmir.
  2. Golden Delicious: Golden Delicious apples are yellowish green in color and a sweet flavor. They are usually used for domestic consumption and cooking.
  3. Ambri: These are the Native Apples of Kashmir. They are generally known for their sweetest taste and juicy flavor. Red Blush color has a reddish blush on pale green skin that makes them the best variety of Apples in Kashmir.
  4. Royal Gala: Royal Gala Apples are the most elite of Apples grown in Kashmir. They are bright red in color and very juicy in taste. They are the top variety used for fresh eating as well as making salad
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Why to witness Apple Harvesting?

Apple Harvesting is one the most beautiful activities that you can at most places of Kashmir Valley in the beginning season of Autumn.  This season is mark of autumn in Kashmir. This is marked with the golden surroundings as well as falling and crisping of leaves. This is the season that will give you the best possible excursion for you.

When is harvesting season in Kashmir?

Usually, Apple harvesting starts in the month of august but the major season of Apple Harvesting happens in the month of September and late into the month of October. This is the season of autumn in Kashmir, where the chill of the season meets with the exhilaration of fall.

Which places can I go to experience Apple Harvesting?

Apple is a fruit that is grown in the entire valley. However, you can easily visit the orchards in Budgam, Pampore, Ganderbal, Kulgam and Shopian. The Apple orchards of shopian are even more famous for the taste of apples as well as their harvesting.

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What to do in Apple Harvesting in Kashmir?

  • Orchard Tours: Orchards in Kashmir offer guided tours where the tourists can learn about the complete process of Cultivation of Apples from the beginning to the end. You can involve in the process of dedication and hard work that yields the most tasty and delicious tasting apples.
  •  Picking Your Own Apples: Many orchards in Kashmir allow you to pick your own apples for you own consumption. Some of them also provide you with multiple verities that you can taste and cherish the taste of local produce.
  • Tasting Sessions: There are also many tasting session that involve your multiple sensory organs in order to learn about the unique flavors and their multiple uses. Such sessions occur in the active harvesting festival that includes tasting the fresh apples and other preserves.
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  • 4. Cultural Immersion: The apple harvesting season is also a time to experience Kashmiri culture and hospitality. Many orchards host cultural events, including traditional music and dance performances, showcasing the rich heritage of the region.
    Apple harvesting is the best time to include you in the major sessions of photography. You can capture the most exhilarating beauty that the harvesting season in Kashmir involves you into.
    Apart from that you can also make some photographs of the beautiful culture that is manifested in the season of harvesting.
  • Photography: The sight of apple orchards laden with ripe fruit against the backdrop of the majestic Himalayas is a photographer’s dream. The vibrant colors and scenic beauty provide endless opportunities for capturing stunning photographs.

Also read, 10 days Kashmir tour package 

Frequently asked questions

The apple harvesting season in Kashmir typically begins in September and continues until November, depending on the variety of apples and the altitude of the orchards.

Some of the most popular varieties of apples grown in Kashmir include Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Ambri, Royal Gala, and Honeycrisp.

Yes, many orchards in Kashmir offer visitors the opportunity to participate in apple picking, providing a hands-on experience of the harvest.

Apple farming is a major source of income and employment in Kashmir, contributing significantly to the region’s economy through both domestic sales and exports.

Kashmiri apples are renowned for their exceptional flavor, vibrant color, and crisp texture, which are attributed to the region’s unique climate and fertile soil.

Apples are harvested by hand to ensure they are picked at peak ripeness without causing bruises. The fruits are carefully twisted off the branches and placed in baskets for sorting and grading.

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