Fruits and vegetables

Have you ever seen a ciku fruit uncut? I saw it at the supermarket the other day and wouldn't have known what it was, if not for the labelling. It looks like a smooth potato. So I bought a few and cut some yesterday. They were not very ripe yet so they were a bit... what's the English equivalent for 'siap siap'? But they were still super sweet and had that characteristic grimy texture. Will keep the rest for later when they've ripened more.

Remember the diet? I'm trying to get more fresh fruits into the picture. Kids are not very adventurous though, only Annie tried the new fruit and complained that it was 'sandy'. I remember the last time I resolved to give the kids healthier food. Claire loves meat and would choose chicken over a lollipop any day. It's quite hard to control their intake so I figured I'd give them fruits to bring to school. That way, they have no choice but to eat the fruit as there is nothing else and they won't throw a tantrum because mummy isn't there to see it!

On the way to school that first day of the fruit endeavor, Claire did a routine inspection of her lunch box. She burst out crying when she saw the papaya sitting inside! They're used to grandad buying doughnuts and cakes from the bakery, you see. Poor thing. She really loves her food.

Last Halloween, I asked them what they wanted to dress up as. Annie suggested the usual faries and princesses, whereas Claire wanted to be a chicken! I assumed she wanted to be a cockadoodle doo, live chicken, but later on wondered if she meant KFC chicken drumstick, chicken... Anyways, she became a bunny rabbit in the end because it was a much easier costume to make.

Back to fruits. I have to bring Paula my maid to Dad's house this evening to dissect the jackfruit which dropped off dad's tree. It's a messy chore with all that sticky sap.

Dad is into organic farming. He has jackfruit, four angle beans, winter melon, sweet potatoes, etc.. The fruits and vegetables thrive on ammonia provided by dad. I mean literally. He collects his urine in a bucket by the side of the garden. It is covered with a board. I think the whole neighbourhood knows when he answers the call of nature. The piercing aroma can wake the dead! It's no wonder the kids get a bit worried when they find out that the vegetables on the dining table came from kung kung's garden!

But seriously, it's good to have food which you know for sure does not contain pesticide, preservatives, colouring, bleach, melamine and only God knows what else. So if you have garden space at home, you should really consider putting your urine to good use!