2024-07-30 19:17:11
Wide selection on the road
The second well-known shopping station, which has been operating almost since the beginning of Independence, is in the very center of the town of Dotnuva, next to the “Mini market” store. The trade of their own grown vegetables was started by the residents of Dotnuviški, who lived behind the store in their own house. Later, their daughter took over the business from her mother, who, when interviewed, claimed to be one of the oldest representatives of such trade.
“Write that everyone I started with has already died, I’m left alone,” says a woman well-known to Dotnuviški.
From her point of sale every day, without exits, from 8 am. from morning until 19:00 in the evening you can buy everything your heart desires: 8 different types of tomatoes (price from 3.5 to 4 EUR), small cucumbers for 1.50 EUR, potatoes for 1.50 per kg, cherries, plums, garlic . Only exotic fruits – nectarines for 5 EUR and apricots for 4 EUR – are imported. All other fruits and vegetables are from local or Lithuanian farms. When there was no longer a pharmacy in the building, the dealer rented premises from the store and now keeps vegetables cold there to prevent them from wilting. The woman’s daughter, who is still very young, also comes to the woman’s aid to trade with her grandparents in this place.
“This is a very difficult business, I remember when we used to transport vegetables from my grandmother’s house with a wheelbarrow. And it’s especially difficult when it’s hot,” says the woman.
The owner of this point rests not much. In February, the first flowers – tulips – are already sold in this place. Then in spring, summer, autumn, a changing assortment of vegetables, and until the middle of November, sale of chrysanthemums for Halloween.
Scattered dealers in the pack
A little further, already in the Academy, on the same side of the road, there is another shopping place from the yard of the house. There is also quite a large selection of fruits and vegetables grown by local farmers. Even further, John sells only his own harvest: tomatoes and cucumbers from the territory of his yard under an umbrella.
“I only sell here in the afternoon and not every day, but when I have vegetables. In the mornings, I take my tomatoes to the market in the Academy,” says Jonas, who has not many, but different types of tomatoes. He raises them together with his wife. “You wouldn’t do anything alone,” he says firmly.
In front of him, on the other side of the road, there is a neat wooden shopping kiosk with a wider selection and advertising visible from afar. Many who drive through the town are already used to shopping here.
Driving even further, almost near the turn to Vainotiškii, there is also a stationary shopping place. It is currently empty, but in June there was a sale of various types of delicious strawberries from local growers.
Cucumbers reign supreme in Josvaini
In Josvainiai, in the land of cucumber growers, for almost 30 years there was and is now an intensive trade in cucumbers and other vegetables near the main road. For probably more than 10 years, a special entrance to the market has been installed near the bus stop with barriers for safety, but now there are not as many traders there as before.
There was a time when intercity bus drivers would stop right at the market and get off and buy cucumbers and encourage passengers to do the same. Now Giedra trades here. She started this business while still living in Kaunas district, Gaigalais. Since 1997, the woman has been living in Kunioniai and in the town of Josvainiai sells her grown cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, garlic, potatoes, and dill. Giedra has been growing and selling vegetables in greenhouses for 32 years.
“There were short breaks for various reasons,” says a woman who has been selling vegetables for 32 years. “At the moment, I have reduced the size of the large greenhouses so that I can cover one.”
First of all, she grows seedlings, which she sells directly from her home in early spring, as early as March, because people know very well that her seedlings will be of high quality and strong. Until they have their own vegetables, people come and buy the first cucumbers and tomatoes directly from home. Only later, when people have vegetables, you can take your own to the market.
When asked what he buys the most, Giedra says: “Cucumbers.” He mostly buys cucumbers. When the first tomatoes appear, then them, but the most “current” commodity is cucumbers.
Of the tomatoes, people seem to like raspberry the most. The vegetable grower also shares the best variety. This is Esmira.
This year, the woman started trading much earlier than usual in mid-June, because the warm spring made everything grow and start much earlier.
Dealers say their work is hard and not everyone is willing to talk about it, but places like this are pleasantly unique. Their hosts will gladly chat with you as a customer and enrich your table.
Carry cash when driving through Dotnuva, Akademia, Aristava, Pėlėdnagii. You will return home with a pleasant experience, fresh vegetables and, if not with an interesting story you heard, then with a smile from the merchant for sure. Just don’t be lazy to talk.
2024-07-30 19:17:11