The best time of the year to satisfy your Davao fruits frenzy
When I attended the recently held 2nd Mindanao Catholic Educators Summit last August 19-21 at the University of the Immaculate Conception in Fr. Selga Street, a lot of the participants who came from different cities and provinces here in the South expected to have the best buys for fruits in Davao because it was then the Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival week. The festival gave them the impression that fruits would be bought in lower prices since it is the season of harvest, but what the price tags that met brought a slight disappointment.
True enough, the Kadayawan Festival falls during the harvest season which is usually between the months of July to September. Three years ago, the “Kadayawan” felt the abundance of fruits like the revered durian, rambutan, marang and lanzones which are season fruits along with the common pomelo, banana, mangoes and others that are available all throughout the year. However, this year’s celebration had a different experience, season fruits are costly, and the harvests were not ready yet. But then again, the harvest has always been unpredictable especially now that the climate is constantly changing.
But when September came, the abundance of season fruits started to be felt and on its second week, fruit vendors sprung literally from every street and corner of the city with cheaper and more delicious durian, rambutan, marang and lanzones. When fruits starts to flourish, season fruits could be bought anywhere in the city with its prices cut to almost half and sometimes more than it.
Fruit Shopping in the Midst of Abundance
Eat all you can” for durians for only 80 – 100 pesos, enough to satisfy your durian frenzy. Buyer beware… especially if you have a high blood pressure. Durians don’t need to have the label “No Approved Therapeutic Claim” from the Bureau of Food And Drugs, but their deadly stories abound. Check your blood pressure, guys.Rambutan, marang and lanzones which are also in season during these times can also be bought in lower prices. Rambutan and lanzones range from 20 – 40 pesos per kilo and marang (which is most of the time sold by piece) costs from 10 to 20 pesos depending on the size.
Prices of fruits are lower in carts, makeshift fruit stands along the highway and in pick-up trucks turned stores that can be found in almost everywhere. From the north, makeshift fruit stands could be found in the areas of Bunawan, Tibungco Public Market, Panacan to Buhangin Diversion Road. Low cost fruits could also be found in Bankerohan Public Market and other public markets around the city.
If you are lucky enough, during nights, around 8-9 pm, some vendors cut prices down to almost half of the original price just to sell off all their products.
For those who want to buy in bulks, it is advisable to buy it straight from farm owners in Calinan, Mintal, Tugbok, Marahan and Baguio District which is only an hour and a half (the most) from the city. You may avail of special discounted offers and may bought these fruits with a 20%-30% less than those being sold in the city.
Tastes Like Heaven, Smells Like Hell
In selecting the best quality of fruits, a general description could not be fitting. Durian are said to be best when it begins to crack or fall off its branch, but being available already in baskets and stands, it is really hard to tell. Others say that a durian is sweeter when its odor is stronger. “Tastes like heaven, smells like hell,” as they say. Yet, common sense may suggest that those stands being patronized and crowded by most people could offer the best value for your money.
By buying fruits in season, you can enjoy it in its best quality and in a more affordable price.
Opening A Durian For Dummies
Hmm… by the way, in case you have not tried it before, opening a durian can be a real challenge. But you want to know how, this short video should help.
(Email subscribers, please visit the page to view the video.)
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Buying Davao Fruits In Season is written by Matt Regis.