If you haven’t been paying attention, you might be surprised to learn that celery has been more than double its usual price at major grocery stores. The cost of fresh vegetables is up 15.5 per cent in March, compared to the same month last year, according to Statistics Canada.
The reasons behind the increase in celery prices include bad weather and a recent food fad promoting the health benefits of celery juice. While a lot of these claims are unproven, the fact that celery is so low in calories and fat can make it appealing for people who want to lose weight or keep their body fat levels in check.
In general, lower calorie foods tend to be more expensive as they become popular. That’s the reason you’ll see more of them on your grocery list as time goes on, especially when they become a part of a popular diet.
One of the biggest factors that can drive up celery prices is shipping costs. This is a large issue for celery, because the plant needs to be shipped a long way from California to other parts of the country.
Another factor is the rain, which can slow the growing process of celery. This can also cause a drop in production, which can then lead to an increased price.
If you’re looking to save money on your celery purchases, consider buying it locally. That way, you can avoid paying the extra for shipping costs.
