AZE.US
Early green plums have once again appeared in Baku markets at striking prices, with some vendors asking 90 to 100 manats per kilogram.
Small packs containing just a few plums are being sold for 5 to 10 manats, turning one of spring’s most anticipated fruits into a purchase many shoppers now think twice about.
Sellers say the explanation is simple: the season has not fully started, supply remains limited, and production costs are high. As a result, the first batches to reach the market are priced more like a delicacy than an everyday seasonal fruit.
Buyers are reacting accordingly. Some say they would rather wait a few weeks for prices to fall. Others still buy small amounts, usually for children, pregnant women or family members specifically asking for the fruit.
At some stalls, a small container may hold only eight or nine plums. Even that modest purchase can put noticeable pressure on a household budget.
Vendors say the fruit now reaching the capital comes in small volumes from different parts of the country, which is helping keep prices elevated.
The issue of early ripening has also drawn attention. Agricultural experts say different growing methods can be used to bring fruit to market ahead of the normal season, including greenhouse conditions and certain stimulating agents. Specialists say those methods are not considered dangerous when used properly, though excessive use can create risks.
Experts add that such concerns are viewed as less acute in the case of green plums, which are usually picked and sold before full ripening.
For now, the market reality is clear: early green plums are already on sale in Baku, but at prices that place them well outside the reach of many buyers.
AZE.US