Lithuanian market sees high prices, seedlings cost more than meat

A visit to the Veisiejai market in Lithuania revealed a surprising price hierarchy, where vegetable seedlings commanded higher prices than some meats. A single cucumber seedling cost between 1.50 and 2 euros, while tomato seedlings were available for 0.80 euros. This contrasts sharply with the price of cucumbers themselves, which started at 3 euros per kilogram.

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I picked them in Greece. Mine haven't grown yet.

Produce imported from other countries was also on display. Strawberries from Greece were selling for 5 euros per kilogram, with other vendors offering them at 5.50 euros. Large, raspberry-colored tomatoes from Poland cost 3.50 euros, while cherries and apricots from Greece were priced at 9 euros and 4.50 euros respectively. Blueberries were priced at 10 euros, and fresh potatoes from Cyprus were 1.5 euros per kilogram.

Local products also saw price adjustments. A small bunch of fresh carrots with leaves cost 1.90 euros, radishes were 0.90 euros, and a head of cauliflower was 2 euros. Beekeepers from Dzūkija have raised the price of honey, with a half-liter jar now costing 6 euros, up from 5 euros last year. Beekeeper Pranas Lisauskas attributed the increase to an unfavorable spring with little sunshine during the crucial flowering period, impacting nectar collection.

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The gardens bloomed, but little was pollinated because it was cold and rainy.

The market also featured non-food items. A used professional "Stiga" lawnmower with a "Honda" engine was priced at 150 euros. A "Canon EOS 1000F" film camera was available for 40 euros, though the seller had not provided a battery, making its operational status uncertain. Additionally, a vendor from Pūstapėdžių village offered homemade mushroom-shaped cookies, a local specialty, for 9 euros per bag.

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If buyers are interested, we will come more often. We bake them ourselves, they are tasty, I can give you a sample.