Best time to buy apples in Hyderabad, prices have never been this low

A delightful surprise for Hyderabad residents! The steady influx of apples from Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh this season has led to a drop in prices, making it the perfect time to indulge. A high-quality apple is now priced at Rs. 18 each, while a dozen costs Rs. 180. Regular quality apples are available for around Rs. 10 each.

Hyderabad: A sweet surprise for people in Hyderabad! The encouraging arrivals of apples this season from Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh to the twin cities has triggered a price drop, making it the best time to indulge.

As a result, a good quality apple now costs Rs. 18 in the market while a dozen costs Rs. 180. The regular quality of the fruit is sold for around Rs 10 each.

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M Srinivas, secretary, Batasingaram market, said everyday around 20 trucks carrying apple loads arrive at the market from Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. The trucks also arrive at Mozamjahi Market, and Bowenpally markets.

“Good availability of apples has subsequently led to a drop in price. The prices will continue to be within reach of a common man until January end,” said the official.

A truck carries between 600 and 1,000 boxes of apples and the fruit to the city comes from Shimla, Chamba, Kahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Kinnaur and Kullu districts of Himachal Pradesh. The Kashmir variety grown is in all districts of the valley and is sourced by the local wholesale traders.

Varieties like Kulu Delicious, Kinor, Jonthon, Maharaji, BalgariaTrel, Dodhi Ambri, Chari Ambri, Walayati Amberi and Mah Ambri are grown in the valley. In Himachal Pradesh the widely grown and quality apple varieties are Royal Delicious, Dark Baron Gala, Scarlet Spur, Red Velox and Golden Delicious.

Traders point out that the pricing is basically done after sorting out the fruit from the boxes. “Depending upon the taste, size and other features, the sorting is done and price for the apples fixed,” said Farooq Ahmed, a fruit trader at Mozamjahi Market.

The arrival of apples in the city begins from August end when the produce from Himachal Pradesh is transported to the city. The prices are high around August and September but after October when the Kashmir varieties start arriving the prices slowly come down. Between November and January around 2200 trucks arrive in the city from Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.