01-05-2025
Why have ice apples become costly in Bengaluru?
Bengaluru: The juicy ice apple – popularly called '
Thaati Nungu
' in and around Bengaluru – has shed its budget-friendly charm and now flaunts a price tag that's anything but cool.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
The luscious fruit, which is consumed as a natural coolant to beat the summer heat, has become a premium purchase with each purple-black coloured outer shell (containing three seeds) currently retailing at Rs 50, a 65 per cent jump compared to the previous year.
The three major factors that have fuelled the price hike are: One, rise in demand following increased awareness about the health benefits related to ice apples.
Two, spike in logistical and distribution costs as the fruit is not of local origin. Three, demand triggered by a rise in day temperature in the city.
"Of course, this is the season for Thaati Nungu. But what has baffled many this time is the price," said Velu, a vendor in Sudhama Nagar. He explained: "Nungu comes to Bengaluru from neighbouring Tamil Nadu, especially from the areas around Ooty-Coimbatore, Vellore, Maruvathur, Kanchipuram, Pollachi, and the coastal region.
The transportation and distribution costs have gone up in recent times. While each shell is priced at Rs 25-30 in Tamil Nadu it becomes Rs 50 by the time it makes it to the streets of Bengaluru."
Concurring with him, fellow vendor Shanmugam who operates near Richmond Park said: "The landing cost itself has gone up. We have no option but to increase the price. The distributor who comes in a mini-truck every morning says he must pay the inter-state tax and road toll charges while bringing the fruits to Bengaluru.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Though the costs have escalated, the good thing that has happened for us is that the demand for Nungu has remained stable." He said he sold around 10kg of ice apples per day.
In fact, ice apples are finding more fans across the city as awareness about healthy seasonal fruits increases. Imran Mohammed from Shanthinagar, now a regular buyer, said: "I didn't buy them much last year, but now I'm trying to make healthier choices."
Though quick delivery apps come up with tempting offers, Imran said he preferred the old-school route. "I'd rather buy from a vendor who cuts them fresh in front of me than gamble on overpriced, possibly stale packs online," he added.
Revathi, a resident of Banaswadi and a tuition teacher, added: "Ice apple is still cheaper than a tender coconut in the city. We can eat the ice apples, and it is filling too."
Why are ice apples healthy?
Ice apples are a good source of essential vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, Vitamin B, Vitamin A, potassium, calcium, zinc, phosphorus, thiamine, riboflavin and iron.
The fruits are rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anti-fouling agents. These fruits serve as a home remedy for skin problems, especially red rashes and itching due to extreme temperature conditions. It is prescribed for various stomach problems including acidity and dehydration as it provides minerals and other nutrients besides preventing the burning sensation during urination.
— Disha Chatterjee
