
New Delhi, November 28, 2025: A recent video, capturing a truly unusual scene from a bustling market in Kolkata, has caused a sensation across the internet. The footage shows a street vendor selling what is typically considered waste: cucumber peels. The sight of this product being offered for sale has shocked and amused viewers in equal measure, contributing to the clip’s rapid rise to viral status. In the video, the vendor is heard quoting a price of ₹10 per kilogram for the peels, a revelation that has spurred widespread online discussion and disbelief.
The content was first shared by a food vlogger who expressed clear astonishment at the vendor’s enterprise. The vendor is seen cheerfully serving a handful of the peels, which are then seasoned with a blend of spices like cumin powder and salt, transforming them into an instant, affordable snack. This novel approach to food waste has been viewed from two distinct perspectives: some see it as an example of brilliant low-cost entrepreneurship and a solution for food waste, while others find the concept baffling, with questions being raised about the purpose of buying and consuming vegetable remnants. The practice has certainly introduced a quirky new trend into the local street food scene.
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Beyond the novelty of the sale, the video has sparked a debate about the nutritional value of cucumber peels. While many people routinely discard the skin due to texture or habit, it has been pointed out by some online commentators that the peels are packed with essential nutrients. It is known that the skin of cucumbers contains a high concentration of fibre, beta-carotene, and Vitamin K, all of which contribute to better digestion and overall health. Therefore, the vendor’s unconventional offering is, in a sense, being defended on the grounds that a healthy, fiber-rich snack is being made available at an extremely low price point.
The reaction across social media has been swift and varied. Comments ranging from humorous astonishment to genuine curiosity have been recorded on the post. Sarcastic remarks were made about how what was once considered only fit for animal consumption has now become a trendy market commodity. Others have praised the vendor’s creativity, suggesting that a “new business model has been unlocked” for selling otherwise discarded by-products. Regardless of the individual opinions expressed, the video has successfully spotlighted a unique aspect of Kolkata’s vibrant street economy and intensified discussions about resourcefulness and food utilization in India’s metropolitan centers.