Orange seller recounts gain in business

The prevailing high rate of unemployment in the country has compelled many young Nigerians to go the extra miles to survive. But for Hassan Suleiman selling oranges is his own way of beating the unemployment trap, ADEOLA TUKURU writes

Hassan Suleiman, who hails from Adamawa state, is one of many hardworking young men trying to fend for families despite all the odds.

Suleiman as he is fondly called by his friends and customers started orange business 2 years ago on the believe that he shouldn’t continue to rely on his parents for his education since he is also struggling to make ends meet.

Fruit vending is a popular line of business in Nigeria as it plays a vital role in the society especially with the health benefits of fruit to the body. 

When Business Starter visited Garki market in Abuja it came across different people of all ages beside their wheelbarrows full of carefully arranged fruits.

The sight of fresh oranges is certainly irresistible for many fruit lovers.

Suleiman had only several hours to sleep per day as he has to wake up very early to ensure they sell fresh fruits to their customers.

What they earn monthly

Regarding his earnings, the young hard working man said he manages to save up to N 11,000 monthly, which amount they deposits in the bank.

By saving money he ensured that his siblings in the village didn’t miss school and is also able to give his parents in the village.

According to Suleiman who is the oldest among his siblings said “I also wish to further my education but I will keep struggling till I achieve my goal.

“I will not beg for alms to feed. If that’s what it has to take to make it, I can’t do it and that is why I started this small business.”

Advice to youths

For Suleiman, every young man should understand the value of dignity in labour and create legal job opportunities for themselves.

On vacational skills

He called on the federal government to engage youths in the society on vocational skill acquisition which make them more independent in life.

How to preserve fruits

Orange fruit is that one fruit I know majority of Bowen students can die for. During mango season you’ll see guys and ladies carrying buckets and poly bags, some even go to the extent of climbing the tree.

I know of a lady that can go any mile just to get that sweet, succulent and juicy property in one fruit.

Even with the rate at which this fruit is being consumed, some of them still end up in the bin. Not because we want to be wasteful but because we can’t eat all. And then it’s the end of mango season.

No more orange, now we wait for the coming year. Though there are different ways of preserving fruits, but can mango be preserved? Can it be stored for long?

Yes and yes. Here are some methods of preserving the fruit to last till another season

METHOD 1: Drying

Get your orange (either by plucking or by buying)

Wash very well and then peel that back, Mix 8–9 tablespoons of lemon juice (to help retain the colour) in 1000 ml/4 cups/68 tablespoons of water, Slice the fruit in thin pieces into the mixture from 3 above and allow to soak, Preheat your oven to 55 degrees.

Set the soaked orange (evenly spaced) on the oven tray and put in the oven for 18 hours, as an alternative, spread the soaked mango out in the sun (Note: the sun must be extremely scorching) till its dry but supple, depending on your taste.

Place in a jar or plastic bag. Dust off with icing sugar (just enough to stall the tartness of the lemon juice). Seal off and place on the shelf.

Note: best consumed in the first 6 months.

METHOD 2: Soaking in brine

Brine is simply a solution of salt in water, some add preservative to extend its shelf life, but if you are all about team natural, use without preservation. This will last up to a year.

Get your orange (either by plucking or by buying) Wash very well Peel the back (optional) Cut into tiny pieces. Pour in a glass jar or ceramic container and fill with water such that it covers the orange .Add approximately 3 tablespoons of salt. Cover tightly.

 Shake well and allow to sit in the sun for 3 days. Drain the soaked orange and spread under the sun for another three days. Air dry (inside your house) for at least 10 days. Package in a container and place on the shelf.

Note: shake the jar often whilst still under the sun. 3g/o.5 tsp of Potassium metabisulphite can be added as a preservative.

METHOD 3: Processing

Get your fully ripe mango (either by plucking or by buying). Wash properly and peel. Cut up into pieces and blend to a smooth paste.

 Add 10 to 15% sugar of the pulp. Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and a pinch of Potassium metabisulphite to the pulp.

Heat for three minutes at medium heat and pour into a tray already coated with vegetable oil. Set to dry under the sun till a leather consistency is observed. Cut into desired shapes and package in plastic bags.

Storage life: about 12 months (with preservative), less than 12 months without preservatives

Orange juice

Get your fully ripe orange (either by plucking or by buying). Wash properly and peel. Cut up into pieces and blend to a smooth paste.

Into 1000 ml of pulp, add 1000 ml of boiling water, 2 tablespoons of lime and approximately 12 tablespoons of sugar. Package in a clean bottle and sterilize in not too hot (like 60–70 degree celsius) water. Allow to cool and store. Storage life: about 12 months.

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