Famous local delicacy
Basra markets flourish with in-season nabq varieties
BASRA — The markets and streets of Basra are alive with vendors offering nabq, a local fruit known in English as the Christ’s thorn jujube, sourced from the farms of Abu Al-Khaseeb, Al-Jazeera, and Al-Karma. This season has introduced ripe varieties with apple-like and olive-like characteristics, with expectations for more unique types to emerge.
Abbas Naim, a vendor of nabq, told 964media, “The second harvest of the olive-like and apple-like nabq, encompassing both rough and smooth textures, begins in mid-February, originating from the farms of Abu Al-Khaseeb, Al-Jazeera, and Karma Ali. We are anticipating the arrival of more unique varieties soon, including ‘Bambawi, Kaab al-Ghazal, Malayi, and Armouti.’ The regions of Al-Jazeera, Bab Al-Hawa, and Al-Deir are renowned for their distinctive nabq varieties.”
“The cost of apple-like nabq varies based on its size and quality, and as the season is just starting, the prices are somewhat elevated. For example, the rough apple-like nabq is priced at 12,000 Iraqi Dinars per kilogram, the medium at 9,000 Dinars, and the olive-like at 9,000 Dinars as well,” Naim further stated.
Karar Ghalib, a local resident, expressed his affection for nabq fruit, saying, “For us in Basra, nabq holds a dear place, stirring nostalgia between seasons. With the season’s onset, prices are steep, so I opted to buy less than desired and will wait for the prices to drop to more reasonable levels.”