The much awaited and limited edition fruit, Blackberries has just knock the city market and the fruit lover hit the markets to fetch thier favourite fruit.
Rajesh Lokhande, one of the whole sellers informed The Live Nagpur, that at present arrival of Blackberries has started from Mandla and Sewani district of Madhya Pradesh and Devari and Korki of Gondia district.
Currently, the Kalamana market yard has a supply of 5000 kg daily (5 tonnes). The supply has recently started and in the peak period it is predicted to go up to 50 tonnes per day at the Kalamana Market, Lokhande added.
He further informed that city has about 10 big dealers of Blackberries. “Supply from local Dhapewada, Kalmeshwar and even from place like Tendla in MP and other places, will start soon.
Vendors were hesitating to take the fruit due to the lockdown restrictions. But now with the relaxations the sale will multiply,†Lokhande said.
The rate of Blackberries in the wholesale market is at Rs 40 to 50 per kg. The season of Blackberies will end by July 15 or August first week at the max.
Munna Dilip Shahu, one of the fruit vendor having shop at Mehadia Square by the name Balaji Fruit and Juice Center added that the Blackberries demand is ever increasing in city. “At present the best quality of Blackberries is being sold at upto Rs 200 per kg.†Shahu clarified that being a perishable commodity, with limited shelf life, the labour work of sorting the fruit and the wasteage all together increases the rate in the retail market.
With the increase of diabetic patients and awareness about the medical importance of the fruit, the demand for Blackberries is also increasing day by day.
Dr Ajay Kale, a Homeopathic practisioner from the city added that Blackberries (Jamun) has many health benefits. “Eating seasonal fruits is always beneficial for health. Blackberries have many such health benefits. Many medicine are made from it due to the Photochemical present in the fruit.
Homoeopathic medicine Synzium, Jambplicum etc are made from the Jamun fruit,†Dr Kale said. Counting on the other benefits he added that they have rich amount of vitamin C. They’re high in fiber, great source of vitamin K and high in Manganese. It may boost brain health and help support oral health as well.