From Orchards to Sweet Delights: The Inspiring Story of Himachal’s Apple Barfi Makers

Nestled in the picturesque valleys of Shimla, where crisp apples grow in abundance, a group of enterprising women is turning this beloved fruit into something even sweeter—apple barfi. What started as a small experiment has now become a thriving local delicacy, winning hearts (and taste buds) across Himachal Pradesh and beyond.

A Sweet Innovation: Apple Barfi Finds Its Fans

In the serene village of Jabli, under the shadow of the sacred Jai Devta Jabal Narayan temple, a self-help group of five women began their journey not with sweets, but with peas. Back in 2019, armed with just ₹15,000 in seed money from NRLM (National Rural Livelihood Mission), they took to farming. Their first harvest brought in ₹75,000—a sign of bigger things to come.

But life had a different recipe in store for them.

After a few successful years in farming, they shifted focus to apple-based products, experimenting with jams, chutneys, and even apple cider vinegar. Then came their golden idea—apple barfi, a melt-in-the-mouth sweet that retains the natural freshness of apples while blending perfectly with dry fruits.

Handcrafted with Love: How the Magic Happens

Making apple barfi is no quick task—it’s a labor of love.

1. Selecting the Best Apples – Only the finest, juiciest apples are picked.
2. Washing & Extracting Pulp – The apples are washed multiple times before their pulp is carefully extracted.
3. Slow Cooking – The pulp is cooked for hours until it thickens, then mixed with dry fruits and cooked again until it turns a rich, caramel-like brown.
4. Setting & Cutting – The mixture is left to set for days before being sliced into bite-sized pieces.

The result? A soft, fragrant barfi that stays fresh for a whole year—no preservatives, just pure, organic goodness.

From Local Stalls to Growing Demand

What began as a small venture now sells ₹35,000 worth of barfi every month. Customers can find it at the ‘Aspiring Hot’ stalls in Shimla’s Ridge Maidan and Padamdev Complex, priced at ₹325 per box. For those outside Himachal, the group even delivers online!

More Than Just a Business—A Movement

The women behind this success story credit their growth to government support, which provides them training, stalls at fairs, and exposure.

“We never imagined our barfi would become so popular,” says Ashu Thakur, the group’s leader. “Now, we send shipments to Kullu and even Kamdhenu. Every bite carries the taste of our hard work.”

Kushal Singh from NRLM Mission Chohara adds, “This is just the beginning. We want more women in tribal areas like Dodra Kwar to gain financial independence through such initiatives.”

A Sweet Symbol of Himachal’s Spirit

Shimla’s Deputy Commissioner, Anupam Kashyap, praises the self-help groups: “Their products are gaining recognition worldwide. It’s not just about income—it’s about pride, empowerment, and innovation.”

For travelers visiting Shimla, tasting this unique apple barfi is more than just a treat—it’s a taste of Himachal’s resilience and creativity. And for the women of Jabli, it’s proof that even the simplest ingredients can stir up something extraordinary.