As Ramadan continues street vendors sell their Ramadan goods to passing motorists, none seem more popular than Sobia. A red or white fermented beverage is kept extremely cold and sold in plastic bags everywhere by vendors of all ages. Several vendors said they sell their Sobia for about SR20 although several others sell it as low as SR8. The white Sobia is made from barley after it is soaked in water and then has rose water added to it. The red Sobia is made of raisins and then mixed with perfumed liquids. A study by the Department of Food and Science and Nutrition at King Saud University's College of Agriculture discovered that Sobia has a high level bacteria commonly found in the stomach. One vendor agreed with the data. “People drink Sobia beause it helps them with their digestion and cleans their insides.” Muslims break their fast by eating dates however in late August dates surged by almost 1,000 percent because of labor becoming more expensive. Date picking labor became more expensive by 150 percent this year according to an Okaz report on Aug. 26. “It is inconceivable for someone who was making SR1,500 per month last year to ask for SR4,000 this year,” said trader, Abdou Al-Maghzoui. __
