Gangina is a traditional method used to keep grapes and other fruits fresh for several months by storing them in sealed containers made from wet earth.
Grapes are particularly difficult to maintain in their fresh state for an extended period, even with refrigeration. However, it appears that the Afghan people have long employed an ancient technique to keep fruits fresh for consumption during the cold winter months when it’s hard for fruits to remain fresh.
Afghans have an ancient method to keep fruits fresh longer.
Gangina is a traditional method for keeping grapes and other fruits fresh for several months by storing them in “sealed spheres”, hollow inside and made of wet earth.
This clever preservation technique involves keeping fresh grapes in a “special container” resembling a dish made of two layers of wet earth. The container is placed in the sun to dry and must then be kept in a cool place, away from direct sunlight.
If stored correctly, a gangina container can keep grapes harvested in the fall fresh until the following spring.
“We must remove any spoiled grapes first before putting them into the gangina. If we include damaged grapes, it will spoil all the other grapes,” said farmer Abdul Manan, adding that this is essential since only healthy grapes can be preserved this way, as a single spoiled grape can ruin an entire batch.
The Gangina container needs to be airtight and kept in a cool place to ensure the fruits inside remain fresh. In winter or spring, when the demand for fruits increases and at prices that people are willing to pay, farmers like Abdul Manan sell the grapes preserved in gangina for profit. Each container holds about one kilogram of grapes.
“We are preserving a lot of grapes in Gangina and will sell them next winter or spring,” grape farmer Askar told the Afghan Ministry of Agriculture. “With this method, we will have a good income.”
Afghans have a special way of preserving grapes, keeping this fruit fresh even after six months. (Photo: Agriculture & Livestock).
This traditional preservation method has been passed down through generations in Afghanistan. Not only is it used for grapes, but Afghans also use this technique to preserve various other fruits for sale during the winter months when fruit variety is scarce. This way, grape farmers can achieve a good income.
Grapes are a type of fruit that international visitors often enjoy when they come to Afghanistan. The grapes grown in Afghanistan are famous for their exceptional freshness, and visitors are often impressed and delighted to learn that these grapes were harvested months ago, thanks to this traditional preservation method that maintains their freshness.
With the fertile land and warm, dry climate of the Hindu Kush mountains, Afghanistan produces a wide variety of fruits. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock, at least 1.5 million tons of fruit are produced each year, but only one-third of that is exported, and fresh fruit is commonly served with most meals.
The southern region of Afghanistan produces most of the pomegranates and melons, while Ziaulhaq’s village in central Afghanistan is known for apples, cherries, apricots, and grapes. This area is particularly famous for its grapes.
Previously, a company from Malaysia also launched a unique product for preserving fresh produce, which uses just a sticker placed on the outside of the fruit.
