Fruit squash, or cordial as it’s known in other parts of the world, has become a popular addition to drinks menus across Nepal as a refreshing way to cool down on steamy summer days. Made from fresh Nepali fruit in a variety of unique flavours like junar, orange, rhododendrons (laliguras), Seabuck thorn and bael, squash is a hit with kids for drinks after school as well as a great cocktail mixer.

Seabuck thorn squash is made in Nepal’s mountains from the berries of the Hippophae salicifolia plant, which is found at high altitudes in the Himalayan region. Squash producers gather the wild growing seabuck thorn berries and extract the juice, which is then sweetened and boiled. As well as for its unique taste, seabuck thorn is highly prized for its health benefits, thanks to its high levels of Vitamins C, A and E.

Because seabuck thorn grows wild, it provides good income and employment opportunities for landless and marginalised people. MEDEP supports seabuck thorn squash producers in Rasuwa districts providing entrepreneurship and technical skills training and helping to build linkages with wholesalers like supermarkets, restaurants and resorts. MEDEP promotes a sustainable harvesting, community forest approach to seabuck thorn processing to protect the natural resource.

A variety of squash is available in both wholesale and retail quantities from Saugaat Griha, the sales outlet of micro, cottage and small entrepreneurs’ products at Tripureshowar, Kathmandu.

For more details please contact:

National Micro Entrepreneurs Groups Association

Saugaat Griha

Tripureshowar (next to Department of Industry)

Tel: +977 (0) 16215404

Email: nmega.nepal@gmail.com