One of the few affordable staples in the day-to-day lives of many large families is fresh vegetables, but as a result of the recent harsh winter weather, that too has changed, with prices per kilogram continuing to rise. While the abundance of rainfall in the past weeks has been a bracha, the accompanying cold temperatures have negatively impacted crops.

Topping the list are tomatoes, which are selling in Machane Yehuda for over 10 NIS a kilo, reaching as high as 13 NIS in some stores around the capital. Other vegetables follow suit, including cucumbers (5.99 NIS), bell peppers (7.90 NIS), and onions (4.50 NIS).

Tomatoes have tripled while cucumbers have doubled in price, placing significant strain on the budget of larger families that lack discretionary funds to make up the difference in price.

Farmers explain the unseasonably cold November temperatures have resulted in a delay in crops reaching harvest stage, hence a shortage in the marketplace. Interestingly, as has been seen in past years when prices surged, Israeli consumers by-and-large are unwilling to forgo tomatoes, and while many homes will buy less, people are still buying them despite the triple plus price.

There is no indication as to when prices will drop again, but merchants are indicating the price is expected to stabilize very soon.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)