Bhubaneswar, Jan. 19: Many in the capital city seemed to be inclined to a wide range of fruits available this season, with the price pinch being too sore when it comes to vegetables. While fruits that grow during winter in the state are available on street sides almost everywhere in the city, the exotic varieties from other states and even foreign countries are also finding a strong following here.

Raw and ripe varieties of fruits like guavas, sweet potatoes (shakarkand), chiku, berries, amlas and other fruits that grow in various districts of the state are much sought after by the denizens. “These are seasonal fruits and this year with the price of vegetables not coming down yet, it seems a better option to go for variety of fruits rich in vitamins and minerals since they come cheaper,” says Sudhanshu Dash, a bank employee. “Since the month of January had a number of Oriya pujas and festivals, fruits are the first preference to offer to the deities,” says Rajalaxmi Behera, a home maker.

The exotic fruits that are imported from other states and countries are getting popular since they are now easily available at food stores and the local fruit vending markets. “The customers go for apples that are imported from Srinagar and Himachal Pradesh and oranges from Nagpur. Each of these fruits comes in many varieties that differ in taste and price according to their size and colour shade,” said fruit vendor Babuli. “Customers are also looking for a number of exotic fruits that can be used to prepare fruit salads like the huge guavas from Thailand, green apples and kiwi from New Zealand and so on,” he adds.

The other exotic fruits available in the city this season include Australian grapes, plums from Bangalore, golden pears from China, strawberries from Maharashtra, black, red and green varieties of grapes from Nasik, Solapur and Hyderabad, watermelons and musk melons from Bangalore and so on. “While many of the exotic fruits are available all the year round, grapes come in more varieties during winter,” says fruit seller Baidyanath Sahoo.

“But people go for fruits in this season since there are many festivities like New Year, Makar Sankranti and local festivals. Also, the fruits stay fresh for a longer period during winter,” he adds.

“Exotic fruits are important to prepare cakes and special dishes during the new year celebrations and are cheaper in this season,” said Vandana Padhi, a corporate employee.

While the local fruits start at around Rs 30 per kg, exotic fruits are priced per piece, per pack (that weighs 250 to 300 grams) or in kgs too.

price pinch

• Thailand guavas Rs 250 per pack that has two pieces
• Australian grapes Rs 300 per kg
• Kiwis from New Zealand Rs 30 per piece
• Green apples from New Zealand Rs 180 per kg
• Strawberries from Maharashtra Rs 150 per pack of 250-300 grams
• Water melon and musk melon from Bangalore Rs 60 per kg
• Golden pears from ChinaRs 160 per kg