What IS that? Fruit, Tropical Fruit!

In an ideal world, I would have a personal chef prepare delicious healthy meals for me, but in the real world, alas, I must cook my own.

Our Maalaea Bay Condo is fully equipped with everything except the groceries. So we have braved the obligatory trip to Costco. We've been exploring the local grocer, farmer's markets and roadside fruit stands. I can't tell you how many times I have put my interview skills to work with the question, "What IS that?"

THAT is Cherimoya and it is exactly as the sign describes. Delicious!  Inside is creamy white and it tastes a bit like custard.

 

 

These Hawaiian sweet potatoes are purple inside! They are also called Okinawan potatoes or purple yams.  Okinawan sounds a lot like Okanagan, and I would like to know if anyone back home grows these! Because they are FAB!

Bring your own bag! What a brilliant plan. And there are those in the Okanagan who would love to see the same rules instituted - and that makes good sense. Saw this story on Castanet recently... Penticton man wants plastic bags banned.

When life hands you lemons, make fresh squeezed lemonade - because it is delicious! The powdered lemonade mix I have purchased occasionally has no resemblance to fresh squeezed Maui lemonade.   

Oh but for the kindness of strangers, my life would not be changed forever.  Seriously, I saw this couple with

this fabulous looking treat and I had to ask, “What IS that?” 

 

This, they told me, is the best Hawaiian Shave Ice in the land.  And so it was that I had my very first taste of Hawaiian Shave ice--  coconut, lilikoi and sweet cream - purchased from Maui Girlz Shave Ice concession at the Maui Swap Meet.  Turns out I was served by Jessica Griffiths, who is a local celebrity and the model for the first Hawaiian inspired American Girl doll.



 The Maui Swap Meet (not a swap meet at all) is like a HUGE farmer’s market (see pics at bottom of post) with an excellent selection of local art, food and clothing. It is held every Saturday in Kahului and well worth visiting.  We are returning next weekend – for more shave ice and for the incredible selection of fruits and vegetables.