Experimental Fruiting

*Game Show Host's Voice*

"Welcome lucky Costa Rican Contestant. You've been selected for the AutoMarcado's Name that Produce Game. Okay, grab your cart and Go! Head down that section past the Washington Apples, Pipos Agua, and yellow oranges. Ignore the eye-ball sized grapes, organic bananas and grab that round green palm sized fruit and tell me what it is? Any guesses? What's that you say? You've never seen it before? *Mean Buzzer* Oh I'm sorry, that's not correct."

Do you ever feel like that when you shop? As you wonder the huge selection of fruits and vegetables (back in the states - not so much here) you spot an odd shaped spiked sphere or a wart covered orange orb and wonder, "What is that?" Well you think moving to Central America, four wheeling across sandy plains and being unable to communicate with the outside world through mail was dangerous enough? Nooooooo, my family now decides to explore the exotic fruit options in the market. Natalie picked up two odd fruits that I've never seen before and we've sampled the first tonight.

Called a guayaba or better known as "apple guava" it is a white fleshed fruit with yellow stone seeds. I'm not kidding. You can't even bite them without chipping a tooth. We asked a few people if you could eat the seeds and no one could give a final answer. I've done a little reading and most of the time they cut out the center and just eat what's left. Seems like a waste, but it is either that or you waste your time spitting out a mound of bitty stones. It kind of tastes like a pear, sweet but not too strong. It's a winner so long as there are no ill effects (but we'll have to wait till tomorrow for that). I'm eyeing the second contestant on the counter wondering what juicy sensation awaits inside and am I strong enough to sample it. Helmets for water slides are nothing compared to the challenge of stomach revolutions.

So if you're looking for adventure but your budget won't allow you to come to Costa Rica, just check out your local produce section and have a wild ride. You'll never know what you're missing unless you pull an Indian Jones, whip out your kitchen knife and slice that "fruta" open. Good luck and happy fruiting!

Picture and more info from this site - http://dishaday.blogspot.com/2007/08/guava.html