「辣椒炒肉多放肉」，今年冬天打工人快吃不起蔬菜了

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the unusual phenomenon of vegetable prices being higher than pork prices in China, exploring the reasons behind this trend and its implications for consumers' dietary habits and daily lives [3][10]. Group 1: Vegetable Price Surge - Vegetable prices have significantly increased this winter, with common vegetables like cabbage and tomatoes seeing price hikes. For instance, cabbage prices have risen from 1.37 yuan per kilogram last year to 2.38 yuan per kilogram this year, effectively doubling [12][15]. - The price of tomatoes has reached 8-9 yuan per kilogram, making them more expensive than eggs, which are now the main ingredient in dishes like tomato scrambled eggs [3][9]. - The "vegetable basket" price index rose to 127.65 in November, with a month-on-month increase of 6.17 points and a year-on-year increase of 3.55 points [16]. Group 2: Factors Behind Price Increases - Adverse weather conditions, including multiple cold waves in northern China and continuous rainy weather in southern regions, have severely impacted vegetable supply, leading to higher prices [18][21]. - The supply chain disruption has resulted in a mismatch between supply and demand, causing a scarcity of vegetables in the market [21][36]. Group 3: Pork Price Decline - In contrast to vegetables, pork prices have been on a downward trend, with prices dropping by 27% year-on-year. For example, the average price of pork was 11.81 yuan per kilogram in December, continuing a five-week decline [24][26]. - The oversupply of pork is attributed to increased production capacity from pig farmers, leading to a market surplus [26][28]. Group 4: Changing Consumer Behavior - Despite the drop in pork prices, the demand for beef and lamb has remained strong, with beef prices increasing by 8.5% year-on-year. This shift is linked to changing health perceptions among consumers, who are increasingly opting for leaner protein sources [30][32]. - The article highlights a growing awareness of health issues related to diet, with many consumers now prioritizing vegetables and healthier protein options over traditional meat consumption [34][36].