Buying guide
Baguio and Benguet Vegetables in Manila: What to Know
Much of the cabbage, carrots, lettuce, broccoli and potatoes sold in Metro Manila is grown in the highlands of Benguet, near Baguio City. The cool climate there suits vegetables that struggle in lowland heat.
Highland vegetables to look for
- Cabbage and Chinese cabbage (pechay Baguio): heavy, tight heads with fresh outer leaves.
- Carrots: firm and bright, with no soft or cracked spots.
- Broccoli and cauliflower: tight florets with no yellowing.
- Potatoes: firm with no green patches or sprouts.
- Lettuce and salad greens: crisp leaves with no browning at the edges.
- Baguio tomatoes, sayote, beans and bell peppers.
How weather affects supply
Highland vegetables travel several hours by truck to Manila. During the rainy season and when typhoons pass through Northern Luzon, roads close and fields are damaged, so supply drops and prices can rise quickly. In those weeks it helps to order from a supplier who buys every day and can tell you in advance what is short.
How to keep them fresh at home
Store carrots, cabbage and broccoli in the fridge's crisper drawer. Keep potatoes and onions in a cool, dark, dry place, not in the fridge, and away from each other. For lettuce and herbs, see our guide on keeping salad greens fresh for a week.
Get highland vegetables delivered
Curated Foods delivers Benguet vegetables, imported produce and fresh herbs every day to BGC, Makati, Rockwell, Ortigas, Pasig, Mandaluyong and San Juan. Order online and receive it the next day.
