Make hay when it shines, an apple a day...

Red fleshy fruits at all places indicates that season has begun

An apple a day keeps the doctor away is the popular adage that indicates the importance of the fruit loaded with essential vitamins and minerals.

It is the right time to follow the advise seriously as apples in abundance have descended in the markets.

The irresistible shiny red fruit which is considered even today to be purchased by the elite class for its face value, has come down considerably and is sold at an average price of Rs 80 per kilo.

Though apples are available right through the year, push carts selling these red fleshy fruits at every nook and corner of the city indicates that the season of the fruit has begun and the vendors trying to lure the customers by even negotiating the price when bought in bulk.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Nagaraj, at Horticultural Produce Cooperative Marketing Society (HOPCOMS), Jayalakshmipuram, said that apples, favourite of many are sold at Rs 100 per kg at Hopcoms.

The prices of apples that were priced at more than Rs 140 per kg has come down considerably as the season of the fruit has begun, with loads of apples arriving at the main branch from North India. The varieties commonly available in the city are the Simla apples and there are Himachal and Delhi varieties too, which are little different in taste and flavour, he says.

The good news is these red apples will be available aplenty for the next three months, and hopefully continue with the same prices.

Desi fruit

While the reduced prices of apples have cheered the locals, the rise in prices of the desi fruit bananas have become a cause of concern. The rates of bananas has risen thanks to the continuous festive season. The fruits which were fluctuating at Rs 30 doubled to Rs 60 per kg recently shocking the buyers.

But the rates have subsided and is currently sold at Rs 45 per kg for the elakki variety, which is said to be a healthy rich in potassium and other essential nutrients. Nagaraj said usually the prices of plantains go up during Varamahalakshmi festival and touches the peak selling at Rs 55 and above per kilo.

The prices come down slowly after the festival and is likely to be priced at the current rate for the next couple of months. The plantains are usually brought by the farmers from H D Kote and surrounding taluks and price per kg is fixed at the main branch depending on the loads every day.