The reduction in supply of tender coconuts to Nalgonda from Andhra Pradesh has given a chance to the localites to taste Kerala ‘Kobbaribondalu’. The towns along the highway are dotted with merchants selling tender coconuts imported from Kerala.
The local tender coconuts were sold at Rs. 15 to Rs. 20 whereas those from Kerala cost Rs. 30.
Speaking to The Hindu , M. Lakshiminarayana, a vendor, said that the imported ones were in great demand as it had double the water compared to the local ones. “A Kerala tender coconut has about 500 ml of water”.
“I have been in this business for over 20 years now, but I have not seen any merchant selling Kerala tender coconuts so far,” Mr. Lakshiminarayana said.
Another vendor, S. Venkatesh, said that they initially had apprehensions about selling the bright orange-coloured coconuts as its price was high. “But now, they are selling like hotcakes,” he said.
P. Shanthi, a customer, said that they simply wanted a best tasting coconut and it really did not matter where it came from. There are also some who opine that these imported coconuts are inferior in taste when compared to those from Andhra Pradesh.
