Fruit Market-ing
Victoria Island, Lagos
Market Trips …. fun trip or chore ?
market fruits are definitely juicer than store bought...no ?
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I always dredged thoughts of the market so did I well to avoid it, those busy streets with men and women shouting and grabbing you to advertise their individual goods. Stress.
But as much I tried to avoid it there have been times in my life where I just couldn’t, like when I was in Bwari for Law School (shout out to the good times!) and Bwari market was a must if you wanted to cook so of course I entered and dragged my friends along kicking and screaming (you know yourself).
The flies, the noise, the sun !
I thought that was bad but I didn’t know anything, until I went to a proper market, a Lagos market…there are no words, you have to experience it to understand (shout out to my cousin for always being my market chaperone) !
So what’s a girl to do when you need market stuff ?
We all know there are some things you just can’t get in the supermarket and even if you could, you just shouldn’t.
In my humble opinion, fruits are on that list.
I don’t know why but for some reason they are just much much better from the market, much fresher, much sweeter and more often than not, much cheaper !
Its just a no brainer.
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But theres a loop hole...you don’t have to go to the proper full on market to get some good fruit because luckily there fruit carts on most street corners in Lagos (on the Island), but even then you have to know where to go for the good stuff and I’m here to help so call me “The Plug” because here’s a connection you need in your back pocket in keeping up with your 5 a day…
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Fruit Carts, Mini Market
Bishop Aboyade Cole Street, Victoria Island
These guys add the perfect aesthetics to an otherwise dull Lagos street, the pop of color of their strip is picturesque and always put a smile on my face. Trust me, this spot will make you happy in all kinds of different ways, your eyes, your tastebuds, your stomach and your pocket.
There are different vendors and carts but they all generally have most of the same fruit and prices, but be careful because this is Nigeria…you will still get cheated !
Here’s a rough guide to shopping
but like I say, if you’re like me and you can’t haggle, just ask for extra fruit.
Good luck !
List of fruit and prices *
Bananas, N500 max, a bunch
Watermelon - Whole N500, 1 Slice N100
Orange - N50-each
Tangerine – N50-N100 each
Grapefruit - N700 max, each
Grapes - N1000-N1500, per pack
Pineapple -Whole N500, Slices N100
Avocado, N150 max, each
Carrot, N200 max, a bunch
Paw paw, N100 per slice or N600
Spring onions, N150, a bunch
TIPS
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If you are buying in bulk try and haggle for a discount, so offer N150 for 4 oranges etc.
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If you’re buying avocados just tell them when you need it for and they’ll find you the perfect one. For those of us who eat avos we know how tricky they can be !
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Feel free to ask them to skin and cut your fruit if you’re feeling lazy.
Also, try to get different fruits from different vendors…its good for the economy (God knows we need it).
Happy market-ing Lagos !
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PLEASE NOTE
*These are the prices I’ve learnt to work it after some time of shopping there regularly, if you disagree with any of the quotes please help and advise us in the comment section !*