Pakistan’s northern areas are renowned for their diverse range of fruits, particularly the Swat and Gilgit apricots, plums, peaches, persimmons, apples, and cherries, which are available in every city of Pakistan during the summer.
Summer in Swat and Gilgit brings a burst of colour and flavour with an abundance of fresh, juicy fruits. These regions, blessed with fertile valleys and crisp mountain air, produce some of the finest apricots, plums, cherries, and peaches in the world. Whether eaten fresh, dried, or preserved, these fruits are a delicious part of local cuisine and culture.
Apricots: The Golden Gems
Apricots are a signature fruit of Gilgit-Baltistan. The dry mountain air, clean water, and rich soil produce some of the world’s finest apricots. With a range of varieties—some soft and sweet, others tart and perfect for drying—Gilgit’s apricots are widely exported and also used locally in jams, juices, and traditional dried fruit snacks. These apricots grow in abundance thanks to the region’s mineral-rich soil, glacier-fed water, and dry mountain air. Whether eaten fresh under the sun, dried and packed for travel, or turned into sweet jams and preserves, apricots from Gilgit-Baltistan carry with them the essence of the mountains and the warmth of tradition. Moreover, about 40 per cent of the rural households in the region annually earn Rs 5,000 to 6,000 from apricot and its byproducts.
Plums: Versatile and Flavorful
Plums come in a range of colors—deep purple, red, and yellow—each with a unique balance of sweetness and tartness. Both Swat and Gilgit are renowned for producing premium-quality cherries that are not only sold locally but also transported across the country for their exceptional taste and freshness. Harvesting cherries is a careful process—each fruit is hand-picked to avoid bruising. Local families, especially women and children, often take part in the harvest, making it a community tradition as well as an economic activity. Their trees, with their lush foliage and fragrant blossoms, are as ornamental as they are fruitful.
Cherries: Nature’s Sweet Jewels
Cherries are a summer highlight, their glossy red skins bursting with juice. Sweet cherries are a favorite for fresh eating, while tart varieties are used in pies, preserves, and sauces. The cherry orchards of Swat and Gilgit, with their picturesque blossoms, are a sight to behold in spring before the fruits ripen in early summer. These cherries, cultivated in the heart of the Himalayas, boast a unique flavour profile and exceptional quality, making them a true delight for the senses.
Located in the royal peaks of Gilgit Baltistan lies a hidden gem, “Cherries”– a treasure trove of some of the most outstanding cherries in the world.
Peaches: Juicy and Fragrant
Peaches from these regions are exceptionally sweet and aromatic, with soft, fuzzy skin and tender flesh. Whether white or yellow-fleshed, they’re best enjoyed fresh but also make delicious cobblers and preserves. Nectarines, a smooth-skinned cousin of peaches, are equally popular. The trees, with their pink blossoms, add charm to the valleys before yielding their succulent harvest. Swat produces apples of 20 different kinds and 18 varieties of peaches, which are exported and appreciated across the world.
A Taste of Tradition
In Swat and Gilgit, these fruits are more than just seasonal treats—they’re part of a rich agricultural heritage. Families dry apricots and plums for winter, press cherries into syrups, and share peaches as gifts. The orchards, set against breathtaking mountain backdrops, are a testament to nature’s generosity.
With these photos, you’ll see the vibrant colors of these fruits—golden apricots, deep purple plums, ruby-red cherries, and blush-pink peaches—all captured in their natural glory. Each bite carries the essence of summer in these stunning valleys.
Whether you’re savoring them fresh or preserved, Swat and Gilgit’s summer fruits are a delicious celebration of nature’s bounty. Don’t miss the chance to taste these seasonal treasures!
These variety of fruits are available in the nearby markets of the region in affordable prices.
People in the North also gift the fruits to their friends inside the country and even sends abroad.
