The arrival of the winter harvest has transformed Chennai's Koyambedu wholesale market into a vibrant hub of fresh legumes. Sacks brimming with crisp green peas from Jabalpur, buttery beans from Kodaikanal, and plump double beans from Kolar have flooded the stalls, signalling the start of the season for hearty winter cooking.
Market Buzzing with Seasonal Bounty and Better Prices
This seasonal influx is a boon for home kitchens, fueling preparations of steaming pea soups, rich matar paneer, and refreshing bean salads. While frozen peas are a year-round option, vendors and chefs emphasize that nothing compares to the flavour and texture of the fresh winter varieties. The wholesale prices are notably attractive, being at least 20% lower than their non-seasonal frozen counterparts.
Currently, at Koyambedu, green peas are selling between ₹40 and ₹50 per kilogram, with the price varying based on variety, freshness, and quality. Double beans sourced from Kolar, Krishnagiri, and Andhra Pradesh are priced between ₹50 and ₹60 per kg. The prized butter beans from the hills of Kodaikanal command a higher price, around ₹100 per kg.
Optimistic Supply Forecast and Retail Markup
Ram Mohan S, who heads NRC Agro, a wholesale store at Koyambedu, expressed optimism about the supply. "Fresh peas are good this year. Farmers in Jabalpur expect a strong harvest until February, so prices may ease further," he said. This forecast suggests Chennai residents can enjoy these seasonal delights for several more weeks at potentially even better rates.
In retail markets across the city, the prices see a natural markup. Peas are sold at ₹80 to ₹100 per kg, while double beans can cost up to ₹150 per kg. Many savvy homemakers are buying in bulk during the season. "I shell and freeze the pods to use over the next few months. Somehow, double beans and butter beans last longer," shared Saranya D, a Chennai homemaker, highlighting a common practice to extend the seasonal joy.
Expert Tips for Preserving Freshness at Home
Vendors explain the logic behind home freezing. While legumes like double beans reach the market just three to four days after harvest, peas undertake a longer journey of about a week to 10 days from Madhya Pradesh. Although commercial freezing prolongs shelf life, improper storage conditions can lead to increased starchiness and loss of tenderness.
Ram Mohan advises customers to buy good quality stock, shell them, and freeze immediately upon returning home. Experts like hotelier Kadhiresan S recommend a blanching technique for optimal preservation: immerse fresh peas in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, plunge them into ice water, dry thoroughly, and then freeze in airtight bags. This method can preserve quality for six to eight months.
He also cautions, "Avoid freezing if signs of decay are visible. Freezing stores the vegetable, but damage cannot be reversed." The seasonal supply is further enriched by pigeon peas (thuvarai) and field beans (mochai) from Kolar and Krishnagiri, available at ₹40-50 per kg, offering a wider variety for traditional Tamil dishes.
