From willow to saffron:These 10 products are the mainstays of Kashmir's economy

Kashmir willow bats

Cricket bats made of Kashmiri willow are popular across the world for their quality and durability. Kashmir willow is less valuable than the English willow. However, the cost advantage of the Kashmiri bats ensures that the region remains the second largest exporter of cricket bats in the world, right behind the UK, where the sport was born.

Pashmina/Cashmere
 
Pashminas are typically made of wool or shahtoosh. It is a fine type of cashmere wool.  The textiles made from it were first woven in Kashmir. Their characteristics include elaborate designs such as the "cone" pattern, deep colors, and are high-quality fabrics. Apart from shape and pattern, one can classify pashminas as either loom-woven or embroidered.

Kashmiri apple

Kashmir is widely known for its delicious apples. Kashmir produces several varieties of it and apple cultivation is one of the mainstay of Kashmir's economy among others.

Kashmiri red chillies and saffron

Heat it up with spices - Other than the Kashmiri red chillies, you must take home saffron. Kashmir is one of the few places in the world that grows saffron and you can to travel to Pampore, a few miles out of Srinagar, to find the best saffron. A large part of the saffron produced in Kashmir is exported.

Papier mache

The large variety of  antique items for sale in Kashmir can sometimes overwhelm travellers. The artisans there are famous for their production of  papier mache items such as wall hangings and decorative items. These differ in price and quality depending on the raw material (paper or cardboard) used for the product.

Walnut wood

No collection of antique Kashmir handiwork is complete without wooden items. Artisans mostly use walnut wood, which retains its strength despite being carved. Some popular wooden handicrafts include house furniture, jewelry boxes, and table lamps.

Carpets

Carpets and rugs produced in Kashmir are famous because they are knotted and never tufted. A real Kashmir carpet is handmade, hand-knotted, and usually made from pure wool or silk. They are characterised by bright colors that recalls jewels such as sapphire blue, emerald green or ruby red. They are available in a wide range of designs, sizes, and colors.

Kahwa

Kashmiri Kahwa Tea is a spiced tea. It has the flavours of cinnamon, cardamom & saffron. Almonds and walnuts enhance the woody flavour of this drink.

Almonds and Walnuts

Kashmir is also famous for its walnuts and almonds. They are produced in abundance and are available cheap compared to the rest of the places in the country.

 Crewel embroidery

A special kind of embroidery done with a hook known as crewel is commonly used for drapery and upholstery in Kashmir. Rows of chain stitch done with hook from solid patterns usually rotating from centre & creating an embossed effect to add richness to the textile. It is done on thick material popularly used for furnishing and usually carries floral and creeper designs.