The juicy taste of summer has arrived in Cox’s Bazar as lychees appear in local markets. However, prices are steep as the fruit hits the shelves early in the season. Native lychee varieties are now being sold in the bustling Panbazar area—one of the busiest commercial zones in the city.
Vendors report that a bundle of 100 lychees is currently selling for Tk 300 to Tk 350. The high price is attributed to increased costs at the orchard level, leaving little room for retail discounts.
However, nutritionists often caution that consuming lychees this early in the season may pose certain health risks, especially if they are chemically ripened or immature.
One seller explained that the initial harvests of the native lychees are not as sweet and tend to have a slightly tangy flavor. He added that sweeter varieties are expected to arrive in a few days, and with greater supply, prices may see a slight drop.
Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Hussain Shetu
