Pomegranate time in Jabal Akhdar

Come September and October bright green and pink pomegranates are seen everywhere in Jabal Al Akhdar, moored high up in Oman's central mountain ranges of Al Hajar. 

Little wonder then that locals, expats and also tourists from the GCC countries make it a point to visit the spectacular mountainscape in September as it is the peak season for pomegranates. 
 

During September-October, Jabal Al Akhdar transforms into a fruit paradise with the full-blown goodness of luscious fruits — pomegranates, grapes, strawberries, raspberries, pears, apricots, plums, peaches, figs, walnuts and almonds, among others. But it is the pomegranate that stands tall among other fruits. It represents the most valuable source of income for farmers in these mountains. 

An official from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries told that Jabal Al Akhdar is home to 22,554 pomegranate trees growing in nine villages. He further said that 307 tonnes of pomegranates were produced in 2012.

According to the Directorate-General of Agriculture, a total of 52,948 trees, including pomegranates, are scattered all over the mountains. Terraced gardens in Sayq Plateau in Jabal Al Akhdar produce one of the world's finest pomegranates. Other villages like Wadi Bani Habib, Shuraijah and Al Ayn also have their share of the luscious fruit.

Dr Syed Omran, a paediatrician at the Armed Forces Hospital, said, "For the past so many years we make it a point to visit Jabal Al Akhdar to buy pomegranates every September. Such good quality pomegranates are scarcely available in Muscat markets, so we travel up the mountains to relish the fruit. 

"The drive is also scenic and the place is really cool. These are the best juicy pomegranates I have ever savoured."

Though most of the pomegranates are grown in private farms, there is also a farm run by the government. One can see Omani boys by the roadside selling pomegranates in the hills.

Many furnished apartments have come up in the picturesque mountain town. They are usually fully booked on weekends and holidays. The Jabal Akhdar hotel which is located at the very entrance of the town was the only hotel for many years. But now, another hotel, Sahab, has also come up. 

It is a unique and luxury boutique hotel situated on the Saiq Plateau and is in big demand for those who can afford. 

Omran is building an 86-room, 5-star Alila Jabal Akhdar Resort, which will be managed by the Singapore-based Alila Hotels and Resorts, one of the Asia-Pacific's leading hospitality innovators and luxury hotel brands.