Dry Apple

Consumption:

• Nutritional Value: Dried apples are a popular snack in Nepal due to their long shelf life and rich nutritional content, including dietary fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
• Culinary Use: They are consumed as snacks, in desserts, and as ingredients in traditional dishes or granola mixes.
• Urban Popularity: With increasing health awareness, dried apples are becoming more popular in urban areas as a healthy alternative to processed snacks.

Production:

• Apple-Producing Regions: Nepal produces apples mainly in mountainous regions such as Mustang, Jumla, Dolpa, and Manang.
• Drying Methods: Traditional sun-drying is common in rural areas, while more advanced drying techniques (solar dryers or mechanical dehydrators) are being introduced to enhance quality.
• Small-Scale Industry: Dry apple production is typically a small-scale or cottage industry, with some cooperatives and NGOs supporting farmers to add value to their produce.
• Market and Exports: Local markets dominate, but there is potential for export to international markets, especially if quality and packaging are improved.

Dry apple production supports sustainable livelihoods in rural areas and helps reduce post-harvest losses in apple surplus regions.