Three varieties of mangoes - all from other states - have hit the city markets with the onset of summer.
Mango aficionados have started to throng the markets to buy varieties like Alphonso, Gulab Khas and Mithua.
Mithua and Gulab Khas are the most sought-after varieties this time of the season.
Sunny Kumar, a fruit vendor at income-tax roundabout, said all the mangoes were imported from Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. "This fruit is the most awaited one and people are willing to pay even high price for this. The cost of Mithua and Gulab Khas range between Rs 120 and Rs 160 per kg while for Alphonso, people have to shell out Rs 1,000 per dozen," he said.
According to vendors, the cost of the fruit will continue to remain high till market is flooded with seasonal and local mangoes.
Rakesh Singh, a vendor at Sabzibagh, said: "There are few takers for Alphonso. People prefer Mithua. It is all about demand and supply. In initial days, the supply is less compared to the demand. But as more mangoes start to come in May, the prices start coming down. I have imported mangoes from Tamil Nadu."
Mango juice and shakes were also added to the fruit-sellers' menu. "We also start selling mango shake which cost Rs 50 per glass," he added.
"No drink is better than mango shake to beat the heat," said Naina Sen, a student of AN College.
"We start selling the luscious fruits from mid-March and continue till August. Till now, I have sold more than 50kg Mithua, 42kg Gulab Khas and 25 dozens of Alphonso. The sale is going to be more in the near future," said Kishan, a vendor at Raja Bazaar.
At P&M Mall, Alphonso mangoes are selling at Rs 1,200 per dozen while Mithua and Gulab Khas cost Rs 160 (a kg) and Rs 180 (a kg), respectively.
Manoj Kumar, a customer, said: "I love mangoes, especially Mithua. Its smell brings the sweet memories of my childhood days. It is the third time I am buying." He also bought Gulab Khas. "My kids prefer this mango to make juice as it tastes tangy," added Kumar, a resident of Kidwaipuri.
Minakshi Devi of Bailey Road said: "Alphonso is the sweetest mango that I have ever tasted. It is available only for short duration, so no matter how much it costs, I bought it. At shops, the price is lesser than malls. Though my family members prefer Mithua."
