Jaggery (Gur) Demand Increases In Winter

As the winter season on its peak, the Gur (Jaggery), traditional sweetener made by the concentration of sugarcane juice available in the form of solid blocks and in semi-liquid form elsewhere in the country flooded in markets with its increased demand.

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Dec, 2018 ) :As the winter season on its peak, the Gur (Jaggery), traditional sweetener made by the concentration of sugarcane juice available in the form of solid blocks and in semi-liquid form elsewhere in the country flooded in markets with its increased demand.

A report aired by a private news channel said, "Gur' comes with several health benefits along with a very delicious sweet flavour. In Pakistan, Jaggery is used as an ingredient in sweet and savory dishes. Besides, there are many food items made using jaggery instead of sugar to promote health.

The health benefits of jaggery are immense and eating a small piece of 'gur' after a meal everyday post meals can do wonders for your health, said Sobia Ali a citizen.

According to physicians, jaggery is a wonderful ingredient that not just pleases your taste buds but also gives you overall protection and prevents the occurrence of various health issues. It is good for your heart, your digestive system, for healthy metabolism, blood, lungs and stronger immune system.

Dr Zubair Ikram added, jaggery was an absolute healthy choice that parents can give children as a sweet treat instead of those calorie-laden ice creams and other desserts after a meal to settle their stomach.

"If you suffer from aches and pains in your joints, eating jaggery can provide you with much-needed relief," says Dr Zubair.

A citizen from Lahore said, during winter, I never take white sugar tea, rather jaggery sweetens my hot drinks which add nutrition, taste and vitality to the cup." In rural areas, it is very common to eat gur in winter, he said. "Though brown sugar is expensive than white, my family loves to sip on "gur chai" before heading out in the morning chill of the winters," he added.

Jaggery making season starts and coming to markets, some varieties are even studded with peanuts, others with dry fruits like almond and pistachio foir high-end buyers, said Hanif Naeem.

Jaggery specially prepared with dry fruits is in high demand and selling in markets at a rate of Rs300 to 800 per kg, said a retailer.

It also tradition in villages to send this winter delight to your friends and family as a gift, said Saba Shoib.

On the other side a gur chai vendor on a busy street in Lahore said, in Pakistan mostly people during the winter season love to drink 'Gur tea' as it is basically consumed by rural people. Anyone with farming background comes following its aroma to may stall," he said with a smile. The village people know what the benefits of jaggery are.