🏆My ASEAN Hive Community Challenge #95 🥥My Favorite Fruits 🍍🍊

Greetings, ASEAN Hivers!

I'm thrilled to dive back into the vibrant and ever-inspiring ASEAN Hive Community with my second challenge participation. This week, we've been tasked with sharing our favorite fruits, a challenge that's both deliciously exciting and close to my heart. So, let's embark on this fruity journey together!

Let's get this straight: I'm a fruit fanatic. If it's edible and fruity, I'm all in. But let's not get too carried away; I can't just rave about every fruit under the sun (though I wish I could). Today, I'm going to share the love for the fruits that are more than just snacks to me—they're a part of our home, growing just a stone's throw away or sitting pretty in our kitchen waiting to be devoured.

First up, the star of the show, Mangifera pajang, or as we lovingly call it here in Sabah, "Bambangan." This wild mango variant, with its striking orange hue, is nothing short of a taste sensation. Paired with it were three "Bundu" mangoes, a variety boasting a unique white flesh once peeled. These fruits aren't just a treat for the taste buds; they're a burst of culture and tradition, especially for us Sabahans. The tangy kick of "jeruk bambangan" is an unparalleled appetite stimulant, perfect with a steaming plate of rice and salted fish. And the "Bundu"? Its flavor dances between sweet and sour, making every bite a delightful surprise. Despite not chilling them, their natural juiciness and flavor were more than enough to make my evening.

Oranges, with their vibrant burst of color and zest, have always been a hit in our household, especially with the kids. Their universal appeal isn't just about the juicy sweetness; it's the whole sensory experience that comes with peeling, segmenting, and then biting into that fresh citrus goodness. Although our garden boasts an array of fruits, an orange tree is notably absent from our collection. Yet, this doesn't deter us from ensuring these citrusy orbs are a constant presence in our home. We make it a point to replenish our supply regularly, keen to keep that tangy delight within easy reach for snack times or as a refreshing accompaniment to meals..

Eiona navigates her way through the complexities of orange flavor. The expression on her face is priceless—a comical blend of surprise and delight as the tangy essence of the orange hits her taste buds.

Moving on, bananas are another staple in our fruit repertoire. Whether it's the towering varieties or the ones I've recently planted, they're a must-have. In fact, after indulging in one this evening, I felt no need for dinner—my fruit feast was that fulfilling.

Durians, the king of fruits, also have a special place on our land, just 500 meters away. It's a family favorite, although the Bundu and Bambangan don't get as much love from the kids.

Our pandan coconut tree is on the brink of bearing fruit, promising refreshing drinks in the near future.

The next star in our garden's fruit ensemble is the pineapple, captured here in the photo, flourishing beside the car garage. This particular specimen is just one of many, as we've ambitiously planted around 300 pineapples beyond the perimeter of our home, their location just outside our fence line. These pineapples are in various stages of growth, eagerly biding their time until they reach perfect ripeness. The surrounding bushes have surged in height, creating a lush, green backdrop that speaks to the vitality of our little pineapple grove.

However, the demands of a teacher's life often leave me with little time for garden maintenance. As a result, these plants don't receive the regular care they might otherwise get. Despite this, they continue to thrive, a testament to the resilience of nature and the hardy spirit of the pineapple plant itself. The sight of these towering bushes, interspersed with the spiky crowns of maturing pineapples, is a source of both pride and anticipation. Each plant's progress marks a step closer to the day when we can harvest these tropical treasures, bringing a taste of sweetness and a burst of flavor to our family's table.

Following in our parade of favored fruits is the Calamansi Lime, a true gem among citrus varieties. This small but mighty fruit is at its best when its tangy juice is paired with the fiery kick of chili. The combination of these flavors creates a taste sensation that is both bold and refreshing. The Calamansi Lime, with its potent zest, has a way of awakening the senses. Just thinking about the sharp, sour burst that accompanies each bite is enough to make my mouth water in anticipation. Its juice, rich and flavorful, is the perfect blend of sweetness and acidity, making it a versatile addition to a myriad of dishes or simply enjoyed on its own for a quick, refreshing zing. The mere mention of Calamansi Lime conjures up images of vibrant, zesty moments, making it a cherished staple in our fruit-loving household.

The next fruit on our list is the papaya, a tropical delight that has found a special place in our garden. Among the papaya trees we've intentionally planted, there's one that stands out as a serendipitous gift from nature. This lone tree, which we never planted ourselves, likely owes its beginnings to a bird. It seems that a bird, perhaps in passing, dropped a papaya seed into our soil, unknowingly bestowing upon us a future bounty of fruit. This natural occurrence highlights the beautiful, interconnected cycles of life and growth. The papaya trees, with their broad, palm-like leaves and heavy, succulent fruits, add a lush, tropical feel to our garden. Watching these trees flourish, including the one that sprouted from an unexpected seed, is a constant reminder of the surprises nature has in store and the abundance it offers. It's fascinating to think about the journey of that single seed, carried by a bird, that has now grown into a thriving papaya tree, soon to provide its own sweet, nourishing fruits for us to enjoy.

The journey through our garden's fruit variety brings us to the mulberry tree, a singular but cherished member of our horticultural family. This mulberry tree stands alone among our collection, yet it commands attention with its promise of sweet, juicy berries. Currently, the tree is a lively display of mostly green fruits, each one inching closer to ripeness and the deep, purple hue that mulberries are known for. The anticipation of tasting these berries is growing day by day. Mulberries are not just a treat for the taste buds; they're a feast for the eyes, evolving from their youthful green to the rich, indulgent color of maturity. Watching this transformation unfold is one of the many joys of tending to our garden. The thought of finally enjoying these fruits, fresh off the branch, is a tantalizing prospect. Their unique flavor, a blend of sweet and tart, promises to be a rewarding experience, marking the culmination of patient observation and care. This mulberry tree, with its impending bounty, is a testament to the simple pleasures that gardening brings, offering up nature's treats as the seasons turn.

Rounding off our garden's fruit ensemble is none other than the chili, a fiery favorite that holds a special place in my culinary heart. For me, no meal is complete without the vibrant kick of spice that chilis provide. Their heat isn't just an addition to dishes; it's an essential experience, a ritual that elevates every bite with its bold intensity. I particularly relish the thrill of biting into a chili raw, feeling its immediate, searing impact on my taste buds. This direct approach allows me to fully appreciate the chili's pure, unadulterated flavor.

There are times, however, when I like to mix things up a bit. Pairing chili with lime, for instance, introduces a zesty, tangy dimension that complements the heat beautifully, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across the palate. Alternatively, blending chili with vinegar adds a layer of sharpness and depth, mellowing the spice just enough to bring out its nuanced tastes and aromas. These combinations are more than mere culinary experiments; they're a celebration of the chili's versatile nature, showcasing its ability to transform and enhance the sensory experience of eating.

Chilis, with their bold character and fiery spirit, are more than just a food item to me; they're a testament to the joy of eating, the pleasure found in the heat, and the beauty of bringing simple, natural flavors to the forefront of a meal. They encapsulate the essence of what it means to truly savor food, reminding us that sometimes, the smallest additions make the biggest impact.

And there you have it—a personal journey through the vibrant and varied world of fruits that color our garden and our plates. From the tangy zest of Calamansi Limes and the succulent sweetness of papayas to the fiery thrill of chilis, each fruit brings its own unique flavor and joy into our lives. These aren't just plants; they're a testament to the beauty and diversity of nature, each bearing its own story from the soil to the table.

Our exploration of these fruits is more than a simple recounting of flavors; it's a celebration of the natural bounty that surrounds us. It's about the anticipation of the mulberry's ripening, the serendipity of a papaya tree gifted by a bird, and the simple pleasure of a chili's heat. These experiences connect us more deeply to the earth and to each other, reminding us of the joys found in the everyday.

As we bid farewell, I hope this journey has inspired you to look at the fruits around you with new appreciation, to savor the tastes and stories they offer, and maybe, to start a little garden adventure of your own. Whether it's the sweet, the sour, or the spicy, there's a world of flavors waiting to be explored, right in your backyard or at your local market.

Until our next adventure, keep delighting in the simple pleasures, and may your meals be ever vibrant and your gardens ever fruitful. Farewell, fellow ASEAN Hivers, and happy fruit hunting!