SRINAGAR: With the sighting of the crescent and Muslims worldwide celebrating the arrival of Ramadan, experts strongly caution against consuming early-ripened fruits, particularly watermelon, due to potential adverse health effects. They emphasise that consumers can identify artificially ripened fruits by their taste, which often lacks the sweetness found in mature fruits.
Dr Mehraj D Shah, Head of the Research Centre for Residue and Quality Analysis at SKUAST Kashmir said, “Watermelon is not our main crop. Usually, people use ethylene and other chemicals for the quick ripening of the fruit. Any chemical used for earlier ripening isn’t good for health, whichever fruit it may be.”
He elaborated, “The maximum permissible level of pesticides is a limit for exported fruits and vegetables that most countries adhere to. Any consignment that exceeds such limits is rejected upon testing. However, such testing isn’t conducted for domestic purposes, and these rules aren’t applied for local use. It should be implemented here too.”
Dr Shah emphasised the importance of testing procedures for fruits and vegetables regarding forced ripening or natural ripening, citing the need for clear criteria.
Regarding fruits arriving early in the market, Dr Shah highlighted that they are often subjected to chemical use or injection after harvesting, posing health risks. He pointed out that forced ripening fruits lack natural taste and their Total Soluble Sugars (TSS), which determine maturity index, couldn’t be seen in such fruits.
The expert stressed the necessity of testing to determine fruit maturity and potential pesticide effects.
During Ramadan, Dr Shah recommended exploring alternatives to watermelon to manage water levels in the body.
Bashir Ahmad Basher, Chairman of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Union, highlighted their lack of information regarding artificially ripened fruits and stressed the necessity for authorities to conduct tests. He noted that while Kashmir receives watermelon even in winter, consumption typically increases during Ramadan.
Basher underscored the importance of scientific testing by authorities to accurately determine fruit ripeness.—(KNO)
