---
title: "Pigeon Peas Hit 10 Dollars Per Pound in Panama City Market"
date: 2026-09-27
author: "Panama Daily News"
url: https://panamadaily.news/2026/09/27/pigeon-peas-hit-10-dollars-per-pound-in-panama-city-market/
categories:
  - "Economy"
---

# Pigeon Peas Hit 10 Dollars Per Pound in Panama City Market

Pigeon peas, a staple of the Panamanian kitchen, have reached 10 dollars per pound at some stalls in the San Felipe Neri Market, sparking complaints from shoppers who call the price excessive — while vendors defend it as typical for this time of year.

## What Happened

According to a report by Telemetro, the price of a pound of guandú — as the legume is known locally — has climbed to 10 dollars at certain vendors in the San Felipe Neri Market in Panama City. Consumers visiting the market expressed frustration, saying the cost is far too high for a product that forms part of everyday meals for many Panamanian families.

Vendorsto, however, see the situation differently. Sellers at the market told the outlet that the price is normal for this season of the year, suggesting the elevated cost reflects seasonal supply patterns rather than an abnormal market disruption.

## Background

Guandú (pigeon peas) is one of the most traditional ingredients in Panamanian cuisine, most famously used in guandú con arroz — rice with pigeon peas and coconut milk — a signature dish especially popular around festive dates such as Christmas and New Year. Because demand for the legume surges in the closing months of the year, prices at local markets often rise during this period as supply tightens.

Markets such as San Felipe Neri are key points of sale for fresh produce in Panama City, and price movements there are closely watched by households already contending with broader pressure on food costs. For many families, guandú is not a luxury item but a dietary staple, meaning sharp price increases directly affect household budgets.

## What This Means for Panama

The 10-dollar-per-pound price point highlights the seasonal squeeze that Panamanian consumers face on traditional foods. If prices remain elevated heading into the year-end holidays — when demand for guandú con arroz peaks — families may feel additional strain on their food spending, and vendors could see shifts in purchasing behavior as buyers search for alternatives or negotiate lower prices.

The gap between consumer perceptions and vendor explanations also underscores how seasonal pricing in Panama’s informal and semi-formal produce markets can create tension. Consumers calling the price “very high” while sellers describe it as routine suggests a recurring pattern tied to harvest cycles.

Shoppers will likely be watching whether prices ease in the coming weeks, while vendors adjust to demand in the run-up to the festive season. For now, guandú remains an expensive addition to the Panamanian table.

This story was originally reported by [Telemetro](https://www.telemetro.com/nacionales/libra-guandu-alcanza-los-10-dolares-la-libra-n6093133).