Afghan raisin production, decimated by over 20 years of conflict, is making a tentative effort to re-establish itself.
A project funded by US Aid, backed by the Central Asian Development Group and assisted on a consultative basis by British company Western Commodities, is aiming to rebuild raisin exports to Europe and other markets.
Richard Stoker, MD at Western Commodities, said: “We have taken delivery of the first containers which are selling successfully to the bakery and muesli industry.
“The Afghan fruit in its raw state has extremely low moisture levels of around 8% to 8.5%, although it regains moisture after washing. In its raw dry state it is chewy, and its taste is almost toffee-like whilst maintaining its distinct raisin flavour. If sufficient quantities can be obtained there is potential to export black raisins from the north. Black midget raisins can be graded out and reprocessed to compete with Greek currants.”
A project funded by US Aid, backed by the Central Asian Development Group and assisted on a consultative basis by British company Western Commodities, is aiming to rebuild raisin exports to Europe and other markets.
Richard Stoker, MD at Western Commodities, said: “We have taken delivery of the first containers which are selling successfully to the bakery and muesli industry.
“The Afghan fruit in its raw state has extremely low moisture levels of around 8% to 8.5%, although it regains moisture after washing. In its raw dry state it is chewy, and its taste is almost toffee-like whilst maintaining its distinct raisin flavour. If sufficient quantities can be obtained there is potential to export black raisins from the north. Black midget raisins can be graded out and reprocessed to compete with Greek currants.”
No comments yet