July harvest fills Carbon Market with seasonal fruits, vegetables

CEBU CITY, Philippines — As the rainy season settles across Cebu, the Carbon Public Market transforms into a showcase of fresh, locally grown produce.

From piles of bright red rambutans and purple mangosteens to baskets of leafy vegetables, the Carbon Market reflects what local farms are harvesting this time of year, and while the rains bring challenges to some crops, vendors say they also help many fruits and vegetables thrive.

For 57-year-old fruit vendor Eva Sobrevilla of Consolacion, July is when several tropical fruits reach their peak season.

“Primero kay rambutan, mangosteen, lansones, durian, ug avocado. Mao jud ni ang tigbunga karon buwana (July),” Sobrevilla told CDN Digital.

(First are rambutan, mangosteen, lanzones, durian, and avocado. These are the fruits that are in season this month of July.)

She added that not every fruit depends on the season.

“Kaning pakwan kay dili ni season kay naa ra ni pirmi adlaw-adlaw. Ang mangga sad gani naa ra sad gani.”

(Watermelon isn’t seasonal because it’s available every day. Mangoes are also available regardless of the season.)

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Meanwhile, Manuela Alonzo, 53, a vendor from Dalaguete, said several vegetables are also abundant during this time.

Among them are cucumber, espada chili, cabbage, pechay, and Baguio beans.

However, she said weather conditions continue to affect crop production and prices, especially for vegetables that are sensitive to heavy rains.

“Depende ra man jud. Kung mag sige man gyud og uwan-uwan, dili kaayo mo koan iyang mga dahon ba. Kung init, ang kamatis kay mo barato. Kung mouwan, mahal kay madaot man sa uwan. Mao na karon ang kamatis kay mahal.”

(It really depends on the weather. If it keeps raining, the leaves don’t grow well. When it is sunny, tomatoes become cheaper because the harvest is better. But when it rains, tomatoes become expensive because the crops are damaged by the rain. That’s why tomatoes are expensive now.)

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Another vendor, who requested to be identified only as Nanay Koring, said the rainy weather has generally been beneficial for crop growth.

“Tubo ra man ang tanan kay tungod sa klima nga naa nay uwan. Maayo na ang pagtubo nila kay uwan.”

(Everything grows because of the climate now that the rains have come. The rain helps the crops grow well.)

Here are some of the fruits and vegetables vendors say are in season this July:

Rambutan

One of the most recognizable fruits in July, rambutan becomes abundant in local markets as trees reach their harvest season. Its sweet flesh makes it a favorite snack for many Filipinos.

Mangosteen

Known for its thick purple rind and sweet white segments, mangosteen is another fruit that peaks during the rainy season and is widely sold in Carbon Market.

Lanzones

Lanzones begin appearing in greater quantities during July. Its sweet and slightly tangy flavor makes it one of the season’s sought-after fruits.

Durian

Although available in other months, vendors say July is among the months when durian is harvested in larger volumes, making it easier to find in public markets.

Avocado

Avocados also come into season this month. They are commonly enjoyed in fruit salads, shakes, or simply mixed with milk and sugar.

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Cucumber (Pipino)

Cucumber remains one of the vegetables widely available during the rainy season. It is commonly used in salads and side dishes because of its refreshing taste.

Espada chili (Sili espada)

This long green chili continues to be harvested during July and is often used in local dishes for added spice.

Cabbage (Repolyo)

Cabbage is among the leafy vegetables sold in abundance during the season, although prolonged rainfall can still affect its quality.

Pechay

Pechay thrives with adequate rainfall, making it one of the common vegetables found in the Carbon Market this month.

Baguio beans

Baguio beans are also among the vegetables currently in season, providing shoppers with fresh ingredients for everyday meals.

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As the rainy season continues, vendors at Carbon Market say the weather will continue to determine what reaches their stalls. While some crops become more plentiful, others remain vulnerable to heavy rains, reminding consumers that every season brings its own harvest—and its own challenges for farmers.

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