Post snowfall: Surge in sale of dried vegetables

Srinagar, Jan 08: With Kashmir receiving snowfall, there has been a notable increase in the demand for dried vegetables, as residents are opting to buy these products in local markets.
Mustaq Ahmad, one of the dried vegetable sellers from Srinagar, informed Rising Kashmir that the recent snowfall in late December 2024 has significantly boosted the demand for dried vegetables in the markets of Srinagar city.
“Customers in Srinagar are purchasing a variety of dried vegetables, commonly referred to as ‘Hokh Syun’ in the Kashmir Valley. Many households are preparing different dishes using these dried vegetables, which they enjoy with rice on a daily basis,” he said.
Mustaq said that several shopkeepers are consistently selling dried vegetables to various stores throughout the year, generating a substantial income, particularly during the winter months when the demand for dried vegetables increases in the market. Additionally, both foreign and domestic tourists are purchasing these dried vegetable products as unique gifts from the Kashmir Valley.
Fozia Bano, a local resident from the Budgam district, said that due to the high prices of fresh vegetables in the markets, many individuals prefer to use dried vegetables in their homes during the winter season.
“During October and November, many residents from the villages of the Kashmir Valley engage in drying vegetables at home. Once the drying process is complete, these people sell the dried vegetables to the community and also utilize them in their households throughout the winter season,” she explained.
Fozia emphasized that the use of dried vegetables is a traditional practice among the people of Kashmir, a custom passed down from their ancestors. This tradition has persisted throughout the Kashmir Valley and has not diminished over time.
Ghulam Ahmad Dar, another senior citizen, said that Kashmiri traditional dried vegetables hold significant importance and historical value in the Kashmir Valley. Many residents believe that consuming dried vegetables has a lesser impact on ailments such as colds and coughs during the winter months, which is why they continue to incorporate dried vegetables into their diets, especially when temperatures drop.
“The vegetables and fruits we buy from the markets often freeze due to the low temperatures, leading to an increase in illnesses like colds and coughs. This is another reason why people prefer dried vegetables over fresh produce that is transported from other states in India to the Kashmir Valley.”