Mango, watermelon, other cheap fruits you can shop for in Lagos markets

There are benefits attached to eating seasonal fruits. One of such benefits is the affordability in their prices.

Aside the pricing, seasonal fruits are very healthy to consume but the supply of fruits in Lagos market depends on their seasons and their availability at the farms where they are grown in most part of the country; as some fruits that are purchased from neighbouring countries tends to be much more available and affordable.

Often when fruits are in season, their cost of purchase drops and their supply rises. Some fruits are available during the dry season and some are available during the rainy season. presently, most fruits are expensive in the market due to the happenings around where they are grown and within the country.

In the market this week, Legit.ng had a chat with some fruit sellers, and they gave a list fruits that are in season and their supply level at the market now.

They further added that the cost price of fruits is determined by their availability and supply level.

Garden egg

The two types of garden egg that is seen in the market this period are the whitish garden egg and the greenish garden egg. They are both healthy for consumption and are serving various health purposes.

Garden egg is a natural source of vitamin b such as niacin, thiamin and pantothenic acid that helps the body in the proper use of fat and protein as it also contributes to the nervous system positively.

The greenish garden egg is beneficial for weight management as it contains carbohydrate and calories essential for weight loss.

Garden egg is still in its season now and they are displayed in affordable prices at the market this week and in reasonable quantity but the traders hinted that it has been in the market for some time now but the cost of purchase is not stable; adding that a bag of garden egg is sold from N6,000 and N7,000 upwards from the big-sized ones as against its old price of N4,000 and below.

In previous weeks, garden egg is sold from N50, but now it is sold from N100 upwards and some traders sell theirs from 200 depending on how fresh it is and their shop location.

Mango

Mangoes come in different colours, shapes, sizes and taste with loads of nutritional benefits. As a tropical fruit, it helps to fight against certain diseases and prevent risks of other health conditions.

The vitamin and mineral content of these fruits aids hair growth and nourishes the skin.

Now, the supply of this fruit is still very low in the market due to some issues surrounding the transportation of the item from other neighbouring states to markets in the state.

Although the fruit is available in some market in Lagos state, sellers are informed that the supply level is gradual.

Carrot

Some enjoy eating this fruit as a snack, others enjoy incorporating it to make salads and other cooked dishes.

Carrot is crunchy, tasty and highly nutritious. It is one fruit that contains a good source of beta carotene, fibre and vitamin B6, K1, and A, potassium and antioxidants.

Due to its seasonal benefits, carrots are freshly displayed in good prices at the various market across the state.

A bag of fresh carrot is sold from N10,000 upwards as against its old price of N5,000 and N6,000, at Mile 12 international market, Lagos or Jakande market, Lagos.

Pineapple

Pineapple is more than just a delicious tropical fruit; it offers significant health benefits as well.

Eating a good slice of pineapple, a day can defend your body from diseases. It also helps to clean the body’s organs and blood, increase your energy intake and boost metabolism, nourish your hair keeps the body healthy generally.

In Lagos market, we have the local pineapple and the imported pineapple; the one purchased from neighbouring countries. The imported ones according to sellers are often very much available compared to the local pineapple and their cost price differs. The local one, grown in Nigeria is very healthy and also very expensive while the imported ones are sold at reasonable prices. Most buyers prefer the local despite the price variation.

Pineapple is offered for sale at dozen price and a dozen depending on the size, is sold from N3,000 upwards for small-sized imported ones while the dozen of the local ones are sold from N6,000 upwards for the big-sized ones, while the dozen of the small ones are sold from N4,000 upwards.

Watermelon

Drinking water is an important way to keep the body hydrated and eating fruit that has a high-water content can also help keep the hydration in check. Surprisingly, watermelon is that fruit with a high combination of water and fibre.

Watermelon is a refreshing and delicious fruit that can be eaten raw or processed as juice. It is very high in vitamin C, A and contains many health plants compounds. Its seed is also very nutritional.

At the market now, watermelon is very expensive, fruit sellers informed. Just like other fruits, watermelon is given for sale at the market in dozen prices from N12,000 for the medium-sized ones and the big sized watermelon is sold from N25,000 upwards, sellers informed.

Banana

Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of dietary antioxidants, and bananas are no exception.

Banana is one of the most popular fruit in the world. Banana varies in colour, size and shape. It contains an amount of fibre with several antioxidants.

Extremely healthy and delicious, banana provides benefits for digestion, heart health and weight loss. They contain important health nutrients especially nutrients that moderate blood sugar levels.

The carbs in green, unripe bananas consist mostly of starch and resistant starch but as the banana ripens, the starch turns into sugar (glucose, fructose and sucrose).

Asides eating it raw, banana can be enjoyed as a snack food with groundnut. At the market this week, the supply of banana and plantain is very high, thus both items affordable.

The cost of purchase of this fruit and its availability at the market when visited, influences to a large extent its cost price.