While stress has undoubtedly risen during the coronavirus outbreak, it has also led to healthy eating habits, as consumers are now more frequently purchasing finger-sized fresh miniature vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals.

A variety of mini vegetables – including eggplant, cucumber, carrot, corn, spinach, lettuce, tomato, beetroot, pepper and onion produced by an agricultural company in the Serik district of Turkey's Mediterranean province of Antalya – were among the most preferred products during the pandemic.

Prepared and packaged to be consumed as healthy snacks, small versions of vegetables are becoming increasingly popular due to their rich taste and the fact that they are produced without any chemicals or pesticides.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA), Burak Akbulut, the marketing manager of an agriculture firm, said sales in both domestic and international markets increased recently.

"Exports of miniature vegetables surged 20% compared with the period before COVID-19," Akbulut claimed, saying the majority of the demand comes from Russia and Arab countries.

"People are making health-conscious choices."