Food prices rise in Turkey as watermelon seed and meat costs climb

In Diyarbakır, the price of roasted watermelon seeds has reached up to 400 TL per kilogram as the watermelon season nears its end. While fresh watermelon prices have dropped to between 15 and 20 TL per kilogram, the processed seeds, including varieties like Sürme and pink watermelon seeds, are seeing significant demand. Prices for the seeds vary between 250 and 400 TL depending on the variety, processing method, and sales location.

In Kayseri and the broader Central Anatolia region, consumers are facing a new wave of price increases for red meat. Beef carcass prices in Central Anatolia rose from 576.10 TL to 580.60 TL per kilogram over the past week. While carcass prices remain slightly below the national average, retail prices in markets are significantly higher.

Retail meat prices show substantial variation based on cut and quality. Beef mince and medium-fat cubed meat are priced between 795 TL and 895 TL per kilogram, while premium cuts like sirloin and ribeye reach 1,425 TL and 1,695 TL respectively. The most expensive item reported is beef tenderloin, approaching 2,195 TL per kilogram. Lamb prices also remain high, with lamb chops nearing 2,000 TL per kilogram.