Kabul: Most families in the northern outskirts of Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, use an age-old technique to preserve fresh fruits, especially grapes, for up to half a year. The preservation technique using an airtight mud container called Kangana has been practiced for over a thousand years in Afghanistan, especially by the residents of the Kalakan district of Kabul, a tradition that continues to thrive today.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the Kangana container is made of mud and consists of two bowl-like sections that can be sealed after people put grapes in them. Storing grapes in early October can keep the fruit fresh until the end of March the next year. Local residents recall that peppers and apples were stored in this way in the past, but now that these products are available in the winter, there’s no need to do so.
Mumtaz, a vendor who sells Kangana, described the process: “To make a clay pot, we mix mud with straw and shape it into a mud bowl during summer. Once the bowls have been sun-dried for about three hours, we fill them with fresh grapes, cover them with extra mud, and keep them in a cool and dry place for the winter season.”
Wazir Khan, another vendor, remarked on the popularity of the technique: “This year, I successfully sold 5,000 Kangana, each holding one kilogram of grapes. Additionally, there is a growing interest among consumers in enjoying fresh grapes as the cold weather sets in.” Khan, 38, has been using the traditional container to preserve grapes for more than 20 years, supporting his 10-member family.
During the winter months, residents from various regions of Afghanistan, including the southern Kandahar and western Herat provinces, travel extensively to the Kalakan district to enjoy fresh grapes. Khan noted that Taifi grapes are commonly used for Kangana due to their thick skin, juiciness, and large size, as well as being harvested towards the end of the season.
Afghan cultural experts recognize the practice of preserving fruits in Kangana as a traditional method, emphasizing the necessity of protecting and continuing this age-old technique. Akrami Fendaqastani, a cultural expert, highlighted the significance of Kangana as a cultural container created by rural communities, primarily for fruit preservation. “This method (Kangana) is regarded as a fundamental natural preservation technique that significantly contributes to maintaining the quality and flavor of fruits,” Fendaqastani stated, underscoring the importance of purchasing products from farmers to sustain this traditional method.
Grapes are a widely cultivated horticultural crop in Afghanistan, valued for their high yield and economic benefits. The cultivation of grapes serves multiple purposes, including fresh consumption, raisin processing, and preservation as Kangana. In Afghanistan, the grape season starts in June and lasts until October.