SOARING TOMATO PRICES SPARK SHIFT TO NEW OPTIONS
A recent report in Business Day suggests that Nigeria is facing an imminent tomato supply gap despite being a top producer, due to pest invasions, post-harvest losses, and seasonality. This has led to a 100% price increase, forcing Nigerians to rethink their cooking routines. Households are struggling to afford tomatoes, which have become a luxury item. To cope, people are finding alternative ingredients like tomato paste, red bell peppers, cucumbers, carrots, and beets. Restaurants are also adapting by revising menus or sourcing tomatoes directly from backyard gardeners.
The tomato crisis is believed to have sparked creativity in Nigerian cuisine, with people embracing new flavors and ingredients. Despite the challenges, Nigerians are showing resilience and adaptability. The shortage has also become an opportunity for innovation, with home cooks and restaurants finding ways to maintain their favorite dishes. As the rainy season approaches, it remains to be seen whether these alternatives will continue to shape Nigerian cuisine. However, one thing is clear: Nigerians, with their resourcefulness, resilience, and determination, are capable of overcoming present culinary challenges posed by the high cost of cooking ingredients.
Considering these circumstances and to avoid compounding the already alarming malnutrition status in the country, Glytabs Consulting sympathizes with Nigerians and urges them to consider other affordable means of getting nutritious food supplies at this time. These include group bulk purchases, home gardening, and seeking alternatives to address the current high food prices.
Image credit: businessday.ng
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