The vegetable prices which had gone down with the onset of winters, is expected to stay the same till February end. The citizens can expect the prices to start increasing as the heat started from the month of March. The green leafy vegetables, green peas and red carrots are the season’s most sold vegetable as per the traders.

“During winters, the quality of the soil and the atmosphere is best for having good quality vegetables. Especially the green leafy vegetables are the best grown. As the heat sets in in March, the produce starts decreasing and the price starts increasing. Some rural parts do not get enough water to be used in the fields which is another reason why the produce decreases,” Ramdas Palve from APMC market said.

The carrot halwa is the most sought dessert during the winters and the curries with green leafy vegetables, are the most sought menu on the table at most households. “We also buy green peas in bulk and freeze it to be used for the rest of the months till winter sets in next year. After winter, the green peas becomes too costly and then the remaining option is to go for the dried peas that you get in stores. So, we freeze them to be used as and when required,” Aisha Khan, a homemaker form Nerul said.

The price of the drumstick and coconut remain high due to low produce. “This season is not for drumstick and hence the rates stay high but has decreased as compared to the last month. The produce of coconut is also low which has increased the rate of coconuts,” Palve added.

In wholesale market, one bunch of coriander leaves is now Rs 8, Methi is Rs 9, spinach and spinach is Rs 8. The leafy vegetables largely come from Nashik while the red carrots come from Rajasthan. “Red carrots need good soil for growing as they grow as deep as 1 feet long as well and hence good quality ones are from Rajasthan,” Palve said.