KABUL, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- Most families in the northern outskirts of Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, use an age-old technique to preserve fresh fruits, especially grapes, for up to half a year.
The preservation technique using an airtight mud container called Kangana has been practiced for over a thousand years in Afghanistan, especially by the residents of the Kalakan district of Kabul, a tradition that continues to thrive today.
Made of mud, Kangana consists of two bowl-like sections which can be sealed after people put grapes in them. Storing grapes in early October can keep the fruit fresh until the end of March next year.
According to local residents, peppers and apples were stored in this way in the past, but now that these products are available in the winter, there's no need to do so.
"To make a clay pot, we mix mud with straw and shape it into a mud bowl during summer," said Mumtaz, a vendor who sells Kangana, to Xinhua.
"Once the bowls have been sun-dried for about three hours, we fill them with fresh grapes, cover them with extra mud, and keep them in a cool and dry place for the winter season," Mumtaz added.
"This year, I successfully sold 5,000 Kangana, each holding one kilogram of grapes. Additionally, there is a growing interest among consumers in enjoying fresh grapes as the cold weather sets in," said Wazir Khan, another vendor who sells grapes to passengers driving in the Kalakan district.
Khan, 38, has been using the traditional container to preserve grapes for more than 20 years, which has enabled him to support his 10-member family.
In the winter months, residents from various regions of Afghanistan, including the southern Kandahar and western Herat provinces, make extensive travels of hundreds of kilometers to this region to relish fresh grapes, Khan said.
When I asked him about the grape type suitable for Kangana, he mentioned that Taifi grapes are commonly chosen. These grapes are known for their thick skin, juiciness, and large size, as well as being harvested towards the end of the season.
According to Afghan cultural experts, the practice of preserving fruits in Kangana is recognized as a traditional method in the country, underscoring the necessity of protecting and continuing this age-old technique.
Kangana is a significant cultural container created by rural communities during the tough early days of life, focusing on fruit preservation, cultural expert Akrami Fendaqastani told Xinhua.
"This method (Kangana) is regarded as a fundamental natural preservation technique that significantly contributes to maintaining the quality and flavor of fruits," Fendaqastani added.
He highlighted the importance of purchasing products from farmers to maintain this traditional method in the country.
Grapes are a widely cultivated horticultural crop in Afghanistan, valued for their high yield and economic benefits. The cultivation of grapes serves multiple purposes, including fresh consumption, raisin processing, and preservation as Kangana.
In Afghanistan, the season of grapes starts in June and lasts until October. ■
