Seasonal vegetables and berries have already appeared at Odesa's New Market, but their prices are still far from the usual "summer" rates. In early June, the market offers buyers a wide assortment, yet the cost of some items is surprising and even prompts jokes among locals.

The main "hit" and subject of discussion has become green peas. They are sold for 150–200 hryvnias per kilogram. Due to such prices, Odesans joke that they look at the product "like a piece of jewelry".

A journalistic check conducted in the morning hours showed that the market is living its usual life: it is calm and cozy, but, as buyers note, "very expensive". Nevertheless, alongside high prices for seasonal novelties, some goods can be found here cheaper than on other city markets, for example, at Pryvoz.

Dialogues about prices: why people aren't buying peas

The situation with pricing hits the real lives of buyers. In one of the rows, a characteristic dialogue took place that illustrates the attitude of citizens to current rates:

Meat vendor at the New Market in Odessa weighing a piece of pork for a customer, showcasing the meat department's assortment in early summer

— How much is the green peas?
— 150 hryvnias!
— Further down the row, it's already 200!
— Then go there, see how people lose money.
— No, I'd rather wait another week.
— Do you think it will get cheaper?
— I hope so. Because right now I look at it like a piece of jewelry…

Buyers demonstrate restraint, preferring to wait for prices to drop rather than overpay for the early harvest.

Detailed price breakdown: vegetables and fruits

Aside from peas, a wide range of vegetables is presented on the shelves. Prices vary depending on the "youth" of the product. For example, regular potatoes cost 30 hryvnias per kilogram, while young potatoes are already 50–70 hryvnias. The situation is similar with cabbage: regular costs 30–50 hryvnias, while "young" — 70–100 hryvnias.

Stacks of eggs with price tags at Odesa’s New Market: selected homegrown — 52 UAH, farm — 40 UAH, homegrown — 48 UAH per 10 pcs. Real food prices in early summer.

The vegetable basket at the New Market looks like this:

  • Onions: 25–40 UAH
  • Tomatoes: 90–170 UAH
  • Beets: 25–50 UAH
  • Zucchini: 30–45 UAH
  • Cucumbers: 30–50 UAH
  • Bell peppers: 50–80 UAH
  • Eggplants: 40–120 UAH
  • Garlic: 140–150 UAH
  • Carrots: 25–40 UAH
  • Greens in bunches: from 15 UAH

The fruit row also offers seasonal goods, but prices for them can be high. The most expensive items were pomegranates (180–230 UAH), strawberries (180–250 UAH), and cherries (200–230 UAH). Apples (30–70 UAH) and pears (60–100 UAH) remain more affordable.

Bright strawberries and greens on a stall at the New Market in Odesa, illustrating summer variety and prices

Animal products: meat, fish, and dairy

In the meat category, prices at the New Market also vary. Veal and beef cost from 150 to 300 hryvnias per kilogram depending on the cut. Pork is offered in the range of 180 to 270 hryvnias. Special attention should be paid to lard: unsalted thin lard costs from 80 hryvnias, while thick salted lard can reach 350 hryvnias per kilogram.

Vegetable stall at Novy Bazar in Odesa: potatoes, carrots and cabbage in crates — backdrop for discussing green pea prices

Fish rows offer carp and bighead carp for 90–140 hryvnias, as well as lobjan (sea pelenas) for 80–150 hryvnias. Zander remains one of the most expensive items — 190–250 hryvnias.

In the dairy category, eggs can be bought cheaper than at other markets — from 30 to 90 hryvnias per dozen. Cheese costs 90–180 hryvnias, and brinza — 180–270 hryvnias.

Fresh green peas in a crate at a stall on Novy Bazar in Odesa, surrounded by oranges, pears and other fruits — illustration for an article about vegetable and fruit prices at the beginning of summer

Thus, the New Market in early summer represents a mix of affordable products and "jewelry" prices for seasonal novelties. Buyers are left to choose between saving money and the desire to try the first vegetables and berries of the season.