Andhra Pradesh: Seasonal fruits abound in marketplaces, ranging from mangoes to ice apples

The public, who is suffering from the intense heat, is getting much-needed relief with the arrival of seasonal fruits in the marketplaces. The previous few weeks have seen a significant rise in the consumption of summer seasonal fruits such ice apples, watermelon, jackfruit, and coconut water due to the heat wave-like conditions that are now occurring in various regions. Even though the peak summer is still over a month away, after this, these fruits’ sales are at their highest point.

Due to their acidic flavor, ice apples—known locally as “Thati Munjulu”—are the most popular option among the general people. A dozen of them costs between Rs. 50 and Rs. 70. Mango sales are not deterred by their high cost since consumers are willing to pay a little more to indulge in this seasonal fruit. Depending on the kind, its costs might vary from Rs 100 to Rs 150 per kilogram.

Because of the favorable weather this year, there was a big mango production, and more mangoes will soon be available for purchase, the merchants are forecasting that prices may drop over the following several weeks. In recent days, there have been solid sales for even the city’s businesses. The product is being sold by retail sellers for between Rs 20 and Rs 30 per kilogram more than what is being paid in wholesale marketplaces.

Watermelon, which has a high water content and costs between Rs 20 and Rs 30 per kilogram, is a summertime miracle. According to D Rangadu, a fruit trader in Guntur market, watermelon consistently leads the market despite the abundance of summer fruit options. Watermelon, when cut into equal slices and placed in an eye-catching manner, never fails to draw attention from onlookers. Aside from its cooling properties, it is a useful treatment for dehydration.

In an attempt to attract consumers, a number of cafés and juice businesses are including different dishes using these fruits into their menus. “Instead of soft drinks throughout the summer, people are choosing to consume fruit juices since they are more health aware than in the past. In order to increase our customers, we are also providing a variety of options, according to R Rama Krishna, the proprietor of a fruit juice business in the city.

Doctors and dieticians urge individuals to eat seasonal fruits naturally without adding artificial sweeteners when the mercury rises, particularly when ingesting fruit juices. It is advised to combat the heat by consuming seasonal fruits that are in season.