Pregnant women in Nasiriyah drive demand for quinces from Karbala

NASIRIYAH, September 16 — Pregnant women in Nasiriyah are driving demand for quinces from Karbala, despite their high prices, thanks in part to a prevailing belief that eating the yellow fruit is beneficial for the mother and fetus.

Abu Ali, a fruit seller, told 964: “The price per kilogram is 10,000 Iraqi dinars, which is more expensive than Turkish imports, which cost 5,000 Iraqi dinars. Quinces are not displayed like other fruits; we keep them in the fridge to prevent spoilage.”

Nasiriyah itself does not have quince farms, which require a relatively moderate climate, but Karbala’s weather produces just the right conditions for the prized fruit.

Um Hayder, a shopper, explained: “Due to prevailing beliefs, we buy quinces during their harvest season for pregnant women. We have learned from previous generations that it increases the beauty and intelligence of the fetus, in addition to many health benefits.”