People buying mangoes and litchis from roadside vendors at Sriya Square in Bhubaneswar. Pictures by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, May 23: The scorching sun seems to show no mercy, but a wide range of fruits is bringing respite to residents here in this heat.

Seasonal fruits have arrived in the city markets that not only satiate the taste buds, but also have great nutritional value.

Although the likes of watermelon and mangoes had already made their foray into the bazaar, some of the latest entrants are Indian palm fruits and litchi. With the Sabitri festival round the corner, the demand of litchi is pretty high since women woo the deity by offering the best summer fruits on the occasion. At present, litchi is priced at Rs 120 per kg and in a week the prices are expected to rise up to Rs 150 or more.

The price may burn a hole in the pocket of the customers, but the juicy fruit is a must for several health reasons.

Cuttack-based dermatologist Kishan Agarwal said: “Eating them raw is a wonderful solution for photo protection. The vitamin-rich fruit not only offers great flavour and taste, but also acts like sunscreen by letting the skin breathe freely and resist tan even under the blazing hot sun. Litchi juice could also be a great choice.” Litchi is often imported from Bihar in the state.

Watermelons with 95 per cent water content are yet another great remedy for hydrating the skin. The consumption of watermelon keeps the skin free from toxins and thus acne and pimple free. It is being sold at various kiosks in the twin cities. Another hit among the daily commuters is the bell fruit popularly known as jamroll that is comparatively cheaper at Rs 60 a kg.

The king of fruits, mango in different varieties is being offered in form of soothing beverages at various joints. Aam panna, frozen daiquiri, lassi, smoothie, tarts, et al are being loved by one and all. “Summer is synonymous with mangoes. We look forward to summers only to gorge on different types of mangoes,” said Asha Acharya, a homemaker. The fruit sellers are also making a killing. “The seasonal fruits are always more in demand than the perennial ones,” said fruit seller Baidyanath Sahoo.