Srinagar: Kashmir’s winter specialties — dried gourd (all’e hach’e), dried brinjal (wangan hach’e), and dried dandelion (hand’e) — are now reaching kitchens across India and beyond, thanks to growing availability on major e-commerce platforms.
These traditional dried vegetables, a staple in Kashmiri households during the harsh winter months, are experiencing strong demand, particularly among Kashmiris residing outside the region.
Traditionally prepared by sun-drying fresh vegetables during the summer months, these items have long been an integral part of Kashmiri cuisine, especially during winter.
While the demand for dried vegetables already surges in Kashmir during winters, these dried delicacies have found a larger platform with the rise of online marketplaces, making them easily accessible to Kashmiris settled outside the valley.
Take the example of one of the leading e-commerce platforms Meesho, which sells all kinds of Kashmiri dried vegetables popularly known as Hokh Syun.
From dried tomatoes to gourd, brinjal, collard green, and dandelion, almost all kinds of dried vegetables are available on the platform.
According to reviews and feedback sections on e-commerce websites, many buyers express nostalgia and a sense of connection to their roots when purchasing these vegetables.
A customer review on one platform reads, “Living outside Kashmir, it’s difficult to find our traditional winter foods. These dried vegetables bring back the taste of home, especially during the cold months.”
With increasing awareness and demand, sellers on e-commerce platforms are also ensuring that the products are carefully packaged to maintain their quality and authenticity.
Munir Ahmad Bhat, a dry vegetable seller, said they have been already shipping dry vegetables outside Kashmir in large quantities during winter.
“We get orders from Kashmiri residing outside Kashmir and we ship these vegetables to their addresses. We have some loyal customers as well,” he said.
A lot of Kashmiri e-commerce platforms have also emerged that sell such dried vegetables online.
Popular among these e-commerce platforms include Kashmir Box, Kanz and Muhul, Kashmiri Bazaar, and others.
Pertinently, various agriproducts that are grown in Kashmir are available on various e-commerce platforms.
From chili powder to Rajmah and gucchi mushrooms, various agri-products are available on various e-commerce platforms.
These products also report good sales and responses from customers worldwide.