1/21 An Heirloom Update
In June I shared my awe, excitement and new found adoration of Heirloom vegetables in the post An Edible Legacy. As I wrote that post I had just started my journey into understanding the world of heirlooms that continues today as I write this entry. I am learning about their value, undeniable beauty and delicious worth. I believe they carry such worth not only because of their otherworldly flavor, but because of their historical significance.
Heirlooms have been lovingly preserved for generations, seeds passed down by hand in their most pristine form, unaltered, without chemicals and grown to be a cherished food treasure. This concept of them being treasures conjures up more than one visual for me, most notably of Indiana Jones finding the holy grail and realizing it is produce. Second, the realization that this treasure is actually edible, its something we get to consume and savor. Food gold. Amazing. When was the last time you got to eat anything at the Smithsonian that wasn’t sold at the snack bar?
Photo By: S. Duquet
Today I had the opportunity to try an Heirloom Navel Orange. On the surface, it presented itself initially like any other. It was brilliantly orange and predictably round.
Photo By: S. Duquet
However, when I cut it in half to reveal its juicy insides,the aroma of the orange was magnificent. The smell was sweet and lusty and hung in the air. With the first bite the flavor of the orange was almost hard to believe. You could taste the dedication, the nurturing sun and the decades of dark, rich soil. The difference was fine gold versus fool’s gold, it was truly, edible treasure.
Photo By: S. Duquet
These 14 karat oranges I tasted today were from Trader Joe’s and they may be in other whole food or organic stores near you as well. If you have the opportunity to pick up a bag, treat yourself. I found an online company called Ripe To You that carries the Heirloom Navel. I have not ordered from this company so if you choose to do so, please share your experience with us.
Tasting these oranges today further ignited my passion for the living legacy of heirloom foods, preserving the most astounding flavors and honoring each note of the fruit or vegetable in its intended natural form. It also just felt really exciting to be exhilarated, moved and surprised by food. Not the everyday, throw it in the cart without thinking because its on the list…but the extraordinary. Something that tastes so good you want to write about it or share it with friends. We all deserve to nourish ourselves with food that good.
Have a delicious day.
Tags: compassionate eating, going veg, heirloom foods, heirloom fruit, Heirloom navel oranges, Ripe To You, trying vegan, trying vegetarian, vegan, vegan challenge, vegan experience, vegan wannabe
