An Ode to the Summer Fruit of Egypt
By Kenzy Fahmy
There are two kinds of people in this world, those who love summer and those who can’t stand it. And while the divide between them will always remain, there is one thing that unites the two sides; the delicious seasonal fruits that have become synonymous with summertime.
Whether it’s the watermelon of early summer or the mangoes that have achieved an almost mythical standing in our food culture, very few can say they don’t look forward to our summer fruit.
We’re incredibly lucky with our produce here, in a country with farming traditions that go back to the earliest communities of pre-historic and ancient Egypt, and we mostly have the Nile to thank for that. The river’s annual floods, which at some point in our very distant history may have extended well into the western desert, bring with them all the beautiful silt and nutrients that make our soil so fertile.
Although there is a huge variety of seasonal fruit, it’s the mangoes, figs and prickly pears that have really become an essential part of summer time in Egypt, and it’s them we’d like to pay tribute to today.
Mangifera Indica
Egyptian mangoes are known to be some of the best in the world, so it’s understandable that many assume the fruit is native to Egypt. But it was Mohamed Ali who imported the first Mango trees from Sri Lanka in 1825, to be planted in the garden of the Egyptian Faculty of Agriculture at Ain Shams University. Oddly enough, the tree was first intended to be more ornamental than anything else. They’ve since become a local favourite and are now one of the most widely cultivated and exported crops in Egypt, where they grow happily in the more humid areas like Ismailia.
Not only are mangoes absolutely delicious, they have an impressive number of benefits. This low calorie fruit is extremely high in nutrients and antioxidants that help improve immunity, reduce signs of aging, support heart, hair, eye and skin health, as well as digestion. They’re a great source of Vitamin C, B6, A and E, and they’re rich in dietary fiber. They’ve also been linked to a lower risk of cancer, so don’t think twice about binging on the intensely vibrant and luscious fruit while the season lasts.
Ficus Carica
Figs have been cultivated and consumed since ancient times, with early evidence existing across the Mediterranean, North Africa and the Middle East, with Egypt being one of the world’s top producers. Ancient Egyptian temples are adorned with images of fig harvests and offerings, while Neolithic fossils have been found in the Jordan Valley that predate the domestication of crops like wheat and barley. The fruit has been so important to humankind that the fig tree is known in cultures across the globe as ‘the tree of life’, carrying with it a deep spiritual and religious significance as well as an impressive list of uses, from the dietary and medicinal to the sacred and structural.
Figs have sustained us for thousands of years, and we’re only just beginning to fully comprehend their many health benefits. They’re a great source of calcium, potassium and magnesium, all of which help with bone density and growth. When dried they’re also a good source of dietary fiber, aiding digestion and keeping the microbiome in our guts balanced and healthy. They’ve also been known to reduce high blood pressure, and they’re a great low-fat, cholesterol-free option if you’re looking for something to satisfy those sugar cravings. One couldn’t ask for more in a fruit.
Opuntia Fruit - Prickly Pear
All throughout July and August, the streets of Egypt are filled with carts selling teen shoky, or prickly pears. The spiky fruit grows on the Opuntia cactus, native to South America and a beloved delicacy in the few countries that actually consume it. The prickly pear was originally brought to Europe in the 16th century, after which it made its way south into Africa and the Middle East, all the way to South Africa and Australia. Opuntia grows almost like a weed, which, with its thorny paddles and fruit, makes a great natural fence, but is considered to be an invasive species in most countries.
They can be tricky to peel, but in the expert hands of the teen shoki sellers their protective skin is removed within seconds, leaving the sweet, gem-like fruit inside. And along with the deliciously juicy fruit comes a long list of health benefits, from reducing blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes and lowering cholesterol to reducing the risk of coronary diseases and cancer. The antioxidants they contain also help improve brain function and vision, as well as reducing inflammation, which in turn helps reduce the risk of diseases like arthritis and manage symptoms of auto-immune conditions.
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These are just some of the amazing fruits we’re blessed with here in Egypt, and while we were tempted to include some recipes with this week’s blog, we think they’re best consumed as they are, fresh and naturally delicious. So make sure you take advantage of the short season and get your fill of these stunning summer fruits and their incredible health benefits.