how is the cost of fruit and veggies compared to say ontario prices? is it about the same? i've never bought enough to give it any serious thought but my next reach is going to be much longer.
thanks
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how is the cost of fruit and veggies compared to say ontario prices? is it about the same? i've never bought enough to give it any serious thought but my next reach is going to be much longer.
thanks
i found the fruit and veggies expensive, comparable to home and more.
Most are comparable to here, a few exceptions, especially watermelon!!! Every time I always have them weigh and price one, since we paid $25 US off a veggy truck, not knowing?
Anyway, watermelon is very expensive there?
If you are buying Jamaican grown fruits and veggies, prices are quite reasonable if they are in season. Prices are higher in areas suffering drought or excess rain. I generally find that prices are lower and the produce fresher when bought from the veggy trucks (which travel to Negril from the growing areas in St Elizabeth), but as PGW pointed out ask the price before buying. Also cheaper if you purchase at a local growers market such as the once a month market in Negril or the weekend markets in Sav or Lucea, Many of the smaller fruit/veggie stands in Negril get their produce from the market in Sav for resale, and their prices are still cheaper and fresher than those in the bigger supermarkets. One of my favourite places to buy oranges at a good price is the truck located downtown as you turn the corner to go up the West End road.
If you are looking at imported produce (like apples, lettuce, grapes, etc) prices are higher than you would pay in the US or Canada. For salad lovers, I recommend using the locally grown cabbage instead of lettuce (some lettuce is grown locally but to me it has a bitter taste, so prefer cabbage finely chopped).
As BCBud wrote, local produce is generally reasonable in season, varying on availability and the wholesale cost to the vendor. Unless a trip to Sav is on your agenda, shop in Negril at the level of your needs. If you have a kitchen and cooking a few meals, you will probably be at a grocery story anyway so see what they have there as well as at the small market behind the cashpot in town or veg trucks, carts etc..
You will find a wider variety of fruit at the market than on the veg trucks.
The grocery stores frequently have local lettuce: HiLo, Quality Traders, ValuMaster (smallest produce area). There is a head lettuce with dark green leaves and a looser head than bland head lettuce in the US. Seems like a less-hybridized version of lettuce, including the flavor and texture. I like it.
You can find local veg and fruit at the supermarkets at reasonable prices (not cheap, but ok and without haggling).
I also bought from little stores along Norman Manley and from vendors/food trucks near the roundabout at fair prices. Am always asking how much they are selling their produce for upfront and then decide if and what I buy.
The only time food truck vendors tried to seriously overcharge was at Negril Beach Club. Usually the vendor lady is walking around the property inviting you to the parking lot to buy from them. I picked a few items and then was asked to pay an outrageously high total amount in the end. Could not make sense of how she was getting to that total. Anyway I only took what I really needed and told them I won't be buying from them again. On another trip I ran into one of my fellow Beach Clubbers who was quite puzzled after paying 25 USD for just a few items from the same vendors... So just check if what is asked for makes sense, water melon is not 25 USD! lol Maybe we met the same vendors poolguywindsor! But this was an exception, besides this particular one I never had a problem.
Not only will you save money going to the Sav Market (way better than the Lucea market IMO) but it is a great experience. Route taxi's go from the taxi lot in Negril directly to the Sav Market. When leaving the market just look for one of the many taxi's wating nearby with a Negril logo. The prices are cheaper and a much better selection than in Negril.
Regards,
Bob
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Watermelon is quite expensive every time I check, and that has been several, as my kids love it. Not always that much but always way more than what I would pay here.
hello jenb,Quote:
Originally Posted by jenb
since I come from Ontario and now live in Jamaica I can easily say that most of the local things that grow here will be a little cheaper, but not much... if in season like mangoes, for sure u will get a lot more here for yr money compared to Ontario prices.
BUT.... always try to go to the big open markets, there is where u get the best price and quality...buying inside a supermarket is not the best idea... IMO.
there is a great farmer's market in Negril at the Beach Park every last Wednesday of the month, and the Sav market is great too.
since u r coming to stay for a longer time.... please try to come by the Catholic Church or St. Anthony's Kitchen :)
blessings,
St. Anthony's Kitchen
i certainly will come by for a visit, i plan to bring some clothes that i have to donate as long as i have space in my bag, i'll make space :)Quote:
Originally Posted by St. Anthony's Kitchen
We love when people make room for in their luggage for some clothes for St. Anthony's Kitchen (its thrift shop). Thanks! You are welcome to volunteer at the Kitchen too. It's a great way to immerse yourself into some of the reality of Negril. And, regarding those fruits and veggies...if you appear to be a tourist the local vendors will often charge more. Go to a supermarket (like Hi-Lo) and note their prices. Then when you go to a local vendor or market you have some sense of what things cost. Hi-Lo would be a little more expensive so look for a better price from a vendor. --Fadder Jimaica aka Fr. Jim P.S. You are welcome to our church too--Sunday at 10 a.m.--a welcoming place with a wonderful pastor--ah, did I say that?