Housewives in Abuja opt for dried tomatoes over fresh ones due to increased prices
As the price of fresh tomatoes continues to rise, some housewives in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have begun buying their dry tomatoes from vendors.
According to a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) journalist who observed markets in Dutse and Bwari in Abuja on Sunday, housewives now prefer dry tomatoes since they are less expensive.
Mrs. Temitope Joshua, a housewife and government servant, claimed that she had previously dried tomatoes just for storage but had modified her practise after purchasing a deep freezer.
But she added that the recent increase in tomato prices had compelled her to reconsider using dried tomatoes in her cooking because they were more cost-effective and valuable than fresh ones.
According to Joshua, she purchased in abundance to avoid its scarcity.
“When I go to the market, I buy a lot since sometimes it is hard to find and this isn’t even the season.
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“Since fresh tomatoes are so expensive, many individuals have also decided to use dry tomatoes in their cooking, which has increased demand.
“The dry tomatoes are not only affordable but also plentiful, so you will get a good deal.
“I just wash them very well when I get home, soak and blend for my stew; that is all. I used it in the past and I am okay using it again, and my children like the taste too,” she said.
Another housewife and business woman, Mrs Joy Idowu, said that she used dry tomatoes because they were cheaper.
According to her, the smallest bowl of fresh tomatoes sells for N500 in the markets while the small paint rubber goes for N2,500.
Idowu said that she bought dry tomatoes between N100, N200 and N700 depending the size of mudu.
Similarly, Mr Bright Samuel, a bachelor, said that he also improvised because he could not afford the fresh ones.
“I decided to switch from fresh tomatoes to the dry ones, and mix with tin or sachet tomato paste just to give it my desired taste,” he said.
Mr Alhassan Umar, one of the sellers of dry tomatoes, said he had experienced high patronage, adding that the demand had increased unlike in the past.
He said he had been in the business of selling dry tomatoes for a long time, but that this year’s demand for it was high.
Umar described the process of preservation of the produce as safe.
He urged Nigerian to adopt the dry method of preservation once the fresh ones become affordable again.
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