Japan names potatoes and onions as best-value vegetables in late May

Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has listed potatoes and onions as the most affordable vegetables last week, based on wholesale prices at the Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market.

In its update dated May 22, MAFF said potatoes and onions were “very good value”, while carrots were also cheaper than usual. The ministry compares current wholesale prices with the average price for the same period over the past five years.

As of May 21, onions were priced at 103 yen per kg ($0.65/kg), or 69% of the normal level. Potatoes stood at 153 yen per kg ($0.96/kg), or 73% of the usual level, while carrots were 124 yen per kg ($0.78/kg), equal to 82% of the five-year average.

The data also showed higher prices for several other vegetables. Cabbage was at 135% of the normal level, broccoli at 121%, bell peppers at 120% and large tomatoes at 119%.

source and graphics: maff.go.jp