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Getting fresh vegetables can often feel like a daily challenge. For many residents, the quest for fresh produce is fraught with difficulties, from limited options to inflated prices. Adulteration and unauthorized chemical use made the challenge an impossible one. North Badda Bazar is such a place, perhaps a popular spot for daily vegetable shopping. Still, for many locals, including myself, the options are pretty limited, and the prices of these green vegetables are skyrocketing day by day.
Despite the convenience, the vegetables often need more freshness that one would expect. To supplement, People like to visit Middle Badda Bazar, and I occasionally buy vegetables from vans. Are they fresh and pure? That is debatable; indeed, the consistency in quality still needs to be improved. For better quality and affordability, I sometimes turn to the wholesale markets at Kawran Bazar and Jatrabari, the two most popular and crowded markets for vegetables in the capital.
These markets offer a more comprehensive range of fresh vegetables directly from farmers, often at more reasonable prices. There is also a large fish market besides the vegetable market at Jatrabari, which is the top choice for Dhaka residents because of its affordable price and all kinds of fish collection. Though prices fluctuate with time, one can buy vegetables in bulk, which is almost 30 to 50% off compared to the local market.
Besides those two, there are a few markets relevant to this, like Mohammadpur Krishi Market, Hatirpool Bazar, Mirpur 1 & 2 Bazar, Banani Bazar etc.
However, the distance and effort required to reach these markets make it a less frequent option if you come from the southern part of Dhaka. Families that have a large number of members might go for a wholesale market like this one, which will be profitable for savings from a monthly budget.
For a small family, the decision might depend on other factors like distance, time, etc. For those navigating the complexities of vegetable shopping in Dhaka, here are some tips on how to identify fresh produce. For Spinach (Palong Shaak), One should look for vibrant green leaves that are crisp and free from yellowing or wilting. Fresh spinach should have a firm texture, and the stems should snap easily when bent.
At the Jatrabari market, I often found fresh spinach in which the soil was still there with its roots, which is an excellent way to understand how long it's been there.
For Bottle Gourd (Lau), One should choose gourds that are light green, firm, and free of blemishes or soft spots. Fresh bottle gourds should feel heavy for their size, indicating juiciness.
I used to look for the top of the gourd where the gourd stalk is soft. That means it is not ripe.
For fresh tomatoes, opt for those that are firm but yield slightly to gentle pressure. The skin should be smooth and free of wrinkles or cracks, and the colour should be uniform.
Fresh carrots are bright orange with a firm and smooth surface. Avoid carrots with cracks, soft spots, or excessive green at the top.
For fresh Eggplants (Begun), notice if it has shiny and smooth skin that has a deep purple colour. Fresh eggplants should feel heavy, and the flesh should be firm to the touch.
The growing concerns about the safety and quality of produced vegetables have started from some initiatives from the citizens, such as the Krisoker market, Safe Vegetable Movement, etc.
Safe Vegetable Movement is a community-driven initiative focused on promoting the consumption of safe, organic, and pesticide-free vegetables. This movement often involves collaborations between local farmers and urban consumers to ensure that the vegetables reaching the market are free from harmful chemicals and grown using sustainable practices.
To what extent do we check the safety of our daily necessities? Shopping for these vegetables in Dhaka requires patience and a keen eye. While small markets like North and Middle Badda may be convenient, wholesale markets like Kawran Bazar and Jatrabari offer better quality and prices, making the extra effort worthwhile.