The UAE’s climate creates ideal conditions for enjoying premium fresh fruits and seasonal fruits at their peak. Fresh, locally available seasonal produce offers superior flavor, nutritional value, and cost-effectiveness compared to imported alternatives. Whether you are in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, or Oman, timing your buys right means peak ripeness and minimal imports.
So, why Go Seasonal for Fresh Fruits in the GCC & Egypt region? Eating seasonal fresh fruits isn’t just about taste—though that’s definitely a bonus. It’s actually a smart choice for your wallet and your health.
When you buy fruits that are in season, you’re getting produce that hasn’t travelled halfway around the world to reach your table. This means fewer food miles, which is better for the environment. Plus, you’ll notice the savings—seasonal fruits typically cost 20-30% less than their out-of-season counterparts.
But here’s the real treat: the flavor. Seasonal fruits picked at peak ripeness have that perfect crunch, natural sweetness, and juiciness that imported, early-picked fruits just can’t match. You’ll taste the difference in every bite.
Winter in the region (December through February) is when citrus season really hits its stride, along with other cool-weather favorites.
What’s Ripe Now In GCC & Egypt: January Fresh Fruits Edition
1. Oranges and Mandarins:
Oranges edge out in vitamin C and fiber, aiding heart health and skin vitality, while mandarins deliver more vitamin A for eye health. Both promote hydration with high water content and antioxidants that fight inflammation.
Both fruits deliver folate for cell health, calcium for bones (55mg in oranges), and flavonoids like hesperidin that fight inflammation. Their low calories (47-53 per 100g) and high water content promote hydration and satiety.
Daily intake lowers cholesterol, stabilizes blood sugar, and reduces chronic disease risk through citric acid, which prevents kidney stones.
Check out the ‘Top 5 Citrus Fruits To Eat In UAE’
2. Pomegranates:
Those gorgeous ruby-red seeds aren’t just beautiful; they’re packed with antioxidants. Al Ain farms produce some wonderful pomegranates right now. Toss the seeds into your salads for a sweet-tart crunch.
High in folate (38µg, 10% DV), vitamin K (16µg, 14% DV), and copper (0.2mg, 18% DV), pomegranates aid blood cell formation, bone health, and iron absorption. Their fiber promotes digestive regularity and satiety.
Check out the ‘Top health benefits of Pomegranate’
3. Strawberries:
January brings sweet strawberries from Jordan at their absolute best. If you’re looking to support local sustainability, check out the hydroponically grown UAE strawberries too—they’re fresh, delicious, and have a much smaller carbon footprint.
Regular consumption combats oxidative stress, reduces inflammation linked to chronic diseases, and supports heart health by lowering LDL cholesterol. Studies associate strawberries with improved blood sugar control and brain function due to their polyphenol content.
Check out our article ‘Strawberry – A sweet, super fruit’
4. Dates (Kharak variety):
Kharak dates, also known as dry or black dry dates (Chuara), are nutrient-dense dried fruits from the date palm, prized for their sweet chewiness and health benefits. Rich in B vitamins (like B6 at 15% DV), copper (40% DV), and antioxidants such as polyphenols, Kharak dates support bone strength with calcium and magnesium while aiding heart health by regulating blood pressure.
Consuming 2-4 pieces daily, ideally soaked overnight, provides sustained energy without spiking blood sugar (GI 43-55) and enhances immunity with selenium. These dates combat fatigue, improve stamina, and act as a natural winter warmer due to their body-heating properties.
5. Apples and Pears:
Crisp apples and pears are at their prime right now. Try pairing them with some local yogurt for a simple, satisfying snack.
Apples provide 2.4g fiber, 14% DV vitamin C, and quercetin to fight inflammation per 100g, while pears offer 3.1g fiber (higher soluble type), more copper and folate, and vitamin K for blood clotting. Pears edge in minerals like iron and magnesium.
Daily consumption lowers cholesterol, aids weight control, and reduces chronic disease risk—pears excel for gut regularity, apples for lung health. Their polyphenols support brain function and skin vitality.
Insider Tip: Want seasonal fresh fruits and the best prices? Head to markets like Dubai’s Fruit & Veg Souq early in the morning (OR) order from NRTC Fresh. You’ll find the best selection and quality.
NRTC: From Farm to Your Plate with Unmatched Freshness
NRTC sources the finest fresh fruits and seasonal fruits straight from trusted UAE, GCC, and Egypt farmers, ensuring a seamless journey from harvest to your plate without compromising freshness or quality.
With cutting-edge cold-chain logistics, real-time tracking, and direct farmer partnerships, NRTC delivers peak-ripe produce—like winter citrus and strawberries—at wholesale prices for businesses and homes. Our commitment to minimal handling and sustainable practices means every bite bursts with flavor and nutrition, making us your reliable partner in the UAE’s vibrant fruit scene.
