We were once again introduced to some more exotic fruits on a recent visit to our favorite grocery store. Some of these fruits are unheard of although we've always had these
rambutans (see photo below) in the Philippines. They usually come from the Southern part of the country, in Mindanao area and are also popular in other Asian countries. Weird-looking with it's thick peel full of pliable spikes, the rambutan can be very sweet and juicy when fully ripe with a smooth white translucent flesh.
My first taste of the
casaba melon (above) instantly reminded me of "melon tagalog" (although it looks totally different from the casaba) a variety that's common in Manila but which I don't really care much for. My mother used to make a cold summertime drink with it, which was very refreshing I must admit. She would scoop up the tender ripe flesh of the fruit with a spoon into a pitcher and stir it with some water, ice and sugar. The casaba melon is sweet and extra juicy.
The other fruits we bought to try were all interesting and new to me. The
pepino melon (shown above) is linked to cantaloupe and honeydew with it's similar taste and texture. It has a very smooth peel.
The label on this
feijoas informed us that they come all the way from New Zealand where several varieties of it are cultivated and marketed. I must say that by its shape, texture of the peel, taste & texture of the flesh that it may possibly be related to the guava. It's sweeter and the flesh is more tender, not sure if we ate an over ripe one though. Guavas are usually made into jelly when they reach this over ripe stage.
The other fruits we bought to try were all interesting and new to me. The pepino melon (shown above) is linked to cantaloupe and honeydew with it's similar taste and texture. It has a very smooth peel.
Hi, love those melons called Spanish melon when I was younger in Manila. I read your March 2005 blog re:Luyong. Anak ako ni Luyong, living in the Texas. That's my brother Dave's branch you went to. I envy my brothers in Manila who runs those resto's.
ReplyDeleteWe all worked at Luyong and loved it. Thanks for your comments.
Small world! My family knows your other brother well. He used to purchase shoe machinery parts from my father's shop in Marikina which still exists by the way, my brother handles it now since my father passed away in '99. Anyway, your brother would always say hello to us everytime he would see us at his resto. They're both down to earth & friendly, must be why they're successful in the business, of course with the consistently good quality of the food as well. It's fun "meeting" you through this blog. When I visit my family in Marikina early next year, I will definitely go back to Luyong & will take more food pics. I'll write more about it & post more photos next time. Thanks for your nice comments!
ReplyDelete