Best Prices for Plums, Melons & Beets in Mexico

Mexico City — The Federal Consumer Protection Agency (Profeco) has released its latest price monitoring report for seasonal fruits and vegetables, including plums, melons, and beets. The findings, published through the Quién es Quién en los Precios (Who’s Who in Prices) program, highlight significant price variations across different regions of Mexico.

Seasonal Produce Offers Nutritional and Economic Benefits

Seasonal fruits and vegetables, which grow and ripen naturally, provide higher nutritional value. In May, plums, melons, and beets are widely available, leading to lower prices in local markets. Profeco’s report aims to inform consumers about the best purchasing options.

Plum Prices Vary by Region

Plums, primarily grown in Chiapas, Hidalgo, and Michoacán, are harvested from early May to mid-July, with some availability extending into August. Rich in potassium, fiber, and antioxidants, plums were found at their lowest prices in Cuernavaca’s Mercado Carolina, where red Moscatel plums sold for $40.00 per kilogram.

In Mexico City’s La Purísima market and Morelia’s Revolución market, plums were priced at $50.00 per kilogram. The highest prices were recorded in Ciudad Juárez ($109.99/kg), Culiacán ($103.00/kg), and Acapulco ($96.90/kg).

Melon Prices Differ by Variety

Melons, a source of vitamins A, B, C, and E, as well as folate, fiber, calcium, iron, and potassium, are mainly produced in Coahuila, Sonora, Guerrero, Michoacán, and Durango. Profeco monitored two varieties: Chinese melon and Valenciano (yellow melon).

Chinese Melon

The lowest prices for Chinese melon were found in Mexico City and Cuernavaca at $15.00/kg, followed by Zacatecas ($18.50/kg), León ($18.75/kg), and Tijuana, Durango, Acapulco, Guadalajara, State of Mexico, Morelia, Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Villahermosa, Tlaxcala, and Veracruz at $18.80/kg.

The highest prices were observed in Mexico City, La Paz, Saltillo, Acapulco, Pachuca, Oaxaca, Puebla, Cancún, Culiacán, Villahermosa, Veracruz, Mérida, and Zacatecas at $44.90/kg.

Valenciano (Yellow Melon)

For Valenciano melons, the lowest prices were in Guadalajara ($19.90/kg), Ciudad Juárez ($24.90/kg), and León ($25.00/kg). The highest prices were recorded in Mexico City ($47.90/kg), Tijuana ($51.00/kg), and La Paz ($54.90/kg).

Beet Prices Show Regional Differences

Beets, a root vegetable rich in vitamin C, fiber, potassium, manganese, and betaine, had the lowest prices in Mexico City, Mérida, and Villahermosa at $15.00/kg. Prices in Campeche and Playa del Carmen were slightly higher at $16.00/kg, while Cancún reported $16.50/kg.

The highest beet prices were found in Mérida and Villahermosa ($43.90/kg), Tlaxcala ($44.90/kg), and Mexico City ($45.00/kg).

Profeco Encourages Price Comparisons

Profeco urges consumers to consult the Quién es Quién en los Precios website (https://qqp.profeco.gob.mx/) to compare prices for these and other seasonal products at local retailers. The agency emphasizes the importance of informed purchasing decisions to maximize savings and nutritional benefits.