India, Dec. 2 -- Bengaluru's beloved seasonal star, Avarekai, is taking its time to make its grand entry this year. Markets that usually brim with the fragrant bean by now are still waiting for their annual green tide. Farmers say the delayed bounty is thanks to patchy northeast monsoon showers and the relentless downpour around the city in August, which disrupted the crop cycle.

However, there's a silver lining. The current nip in the air and early-morning dew are expected to boost the bean's trademark sogadu, that aroma Bengalureans wait all year for, said a report by The Hindu. Typically, supplies begin flowing in by November and stay strong until after Sankranti.

By this time, avarekai should have settled at around Rs.40 to Rs.50 pe...