Riyadh’s 4th Shaqra Pepper Festival: A Spicy Adventure Awaits!
Calling all pepper enthusiasts! Get ready to embark on a journey to discover the best and hottest varieties of your favorite food at the 4th Shaqra Pepper Festival. From July 28 to August 6, 2024, farmers from Shaqra will showcase a diverse range of pepper crops, offering a fiery experience like no other.
Shaqra, a key player in Riyadh province, dominates Saudi Arabia’s pepper production with a staggering 78% share, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
During the festival, experts will share insights on cultivating high-quality crops and processing techniques with entrepreneurs and farmers. Exciting competitions will also take place to recognize the top pepper farm, product, and the largest pepper tree in the region.
Known as ‘Habhar Shaqra’, hot pepper is highly sought after in Saudi and Gulf markets, according to SPA. With its economic viability and exceptional quality, hot pepper stands out as a lucrative cash crop.
Pepper cultivation in the Kingdom kicks off in April, October, and November, with greenhouse cultivation extending from late August to early September. After a 120-day growth period, farmers can harvest their pepper crops. Saudi Arabia boasts an annual pepper production of 119,700 tons, achieving a commendable 72% self-sufficiency rate.
Pepper farming spans across 3,167 hectares in various provinces, led by Riyadh province’s annual production of 65,796 tons in Shaqra Governorate. Tabuk follows with 10,484 tons, showcasing the widespread cultivation of this spice across the Kingdom.
Chilli peppers have versatile uses in culinary delights, from spicy snacks to traditional meals worldwide. Capsaicin, a key component of chilli peppers, has various applications, including pain relief in ointments, skin patches, and even pepper spray for security purposes.
Moreover, capsaicin offers numerous health benefits, such as essential vitamin supply, cancer prevention, fat burning, and cholesterol reduction. Its antibacterial properties make it a valuable addition to maintaining overall well-being.
The global pepper market is valued at $1.61 billion in 2024, with projections to reach $2.16 billion by 2029, indicating a growing demand for this fiery spice.