František Prouza, an eighty-two-year-old resident of Vinohrady, recently shared his unsuccessful attempt to buy a single apricot at a local Albert supermarket. Mr. Prouza, who visited the supermarket to buy groceries, including bread, sliced salami, and cheese, had a craving for apricots. Due to his financial situation, he only desired a single apricot rather than an entire basket.

Approaching the staff at the supermarket, Mr. Prouza requested a single apricot, estimating its weight to be around one hundred grams, which would amount to ten percent of the price per kilogram. However, to his surprise, the staff member returned with an entire basket of apricots instead of fulfilling his request for just one.

Mr. Prouza clarified his desire for a single apricot, but the staff member apologized, stating that they did not have individual apricots available. Mr. Prouza even suggested checking the stockroom for a single apricot and weighing it at the checkout based on the exact price, but the staff member explained that the apricots were sold in pre-packaged baskets and couldn’t be sold individually.

Regrettably, Mr. Prouza was unable to obtain the single apricot he desired. The article also highlights the closure of nearby vegetable shops, making it even more challenging for Mr. Prouza to find alternative options.

In an attempt to find loose apricots, we conducted our own investigation at the Albert supermarket but were unsuccessful. It is worth noting that apricots in the Czech market are primarily imported from Spain and Greece, with average prices around 120 Czech korun per kilogram. The online store Rohlík offers the most expensive option, selling “fresh, sweet apricots with soft and juicy flesh” from the Pyrenees for 220 Czech korun. Based on these prices, the approximate cost for a single apricot would be thirteen korun.

This incident raises questions about the availability of individual fruit items and the preference for pre-packaged options in supermarkets. It also highlights the challenges faced by elderly individuals like Mr. Prouza, who may have specific needs or financial constraints when shopping for groceries.

Article by Prague Forum