The Khudarji Report 05: 4/07/09

'Inab ahmar (red grapes) have arrived, as have 'inab sghir (miniature green grapes); both are baladeh and are at 5,000 LL/kilo.

Somalian bananas are currently from Ecuador and carry the Chiquita label.

The mahal acts as a waystation for electric bills, mail, and cassette tapes shared by maids. It is also a reception area for the neighborhood, with most deliveries on motorbike stopping here first to ask directions.

Peas are at 3,000 LL/kilo. Baqleh (purslane) has gone up to 1,000 LL/bunch.
karaz ahmar (red cherries) are at 6,000 LL/kilo; karaz aswad (black cherries) are at 5,000 LL/kilo.

Valencia oranges are in the market.

Ideally three are required to run the shop; one to man the store, one to help in the store and make deliveries, and one to shop the souq. To get the best produce means going to the souq at 1:00 a.m. This shop manages to run with just two men.

The souq merchants give out stickers to place on fruit once in the market; the word "king" predominates, as in "King of Lebanese watermelon". This has become a standing joke in the neighborhood; I have been dubbed "King of onions" based on the task of removing excess peel, root, and sprouts when adding onions to the bin.

Red nectarines (with orange flesh) have replaced the red and yellow variety.

The Khudarji Report, by Zayd, reflects conditions unique to a neighborhood in central Beirut; the status at your local mahal al-khudra will most likely vary.