by Prem Chadeesingh,
published:
syndicated: 1 | total views: 4622 |
word count: 629
laesbarhedsindex readability score: Average Readability
on the net: http://www.mysilversands.com
UNITED KINGDOM, May 15 — In Jamaica, oranges are not orange. Well, not that bright uniform orange colour that you see in developed countries, like the USA, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
I once overheard a group of tourists in Jamaica joking that they were going to the market to buy greens, meaning oranges, because that is usually the colour of oranges in Jamaica.
When Jamaicans residing abroad return home for a visit, they cannot wait to get their hands on some oranges
I
n Jamaica, oranges are not orange. Well, not that bright uniform orange colour that you see in developed countries, like the USA, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
I once overheard a group of tourists in Jamaica joking that they were going to the market to buy greens, meaning oranges, because that is usually the colour of oranges in Jamaica. Yes, oranges in Jamaica are mostly green in colour with variations from yellow to brown. And the colour is uneven too.
To an unaccustomed eye, this variation in colour may not look attractive, and perhaps that’s why producers selling oranges to the developed World have transformed them into a consistent uniform orange “product”.
Furthermore the skin of that exported orange that you buy in supermarkets in the developed countries just peels off with your fingers as the white pith under the peel is very thick. You can’t do that with a Jamaican orange as the pith is thin. If you try to tear off the skin with your fingers, you may break your fingernails, and you will certainly make a mess. If you want to peel a Jamaican orange you need a sharp knife and a great degree of skill.
More affluent Jamaicans will juice oranges into a jug, store in their fridge, and consume it just as people in developed countries do with store-bought cartons of orange juice. But ordinary Jamaicans don’t do that - they suck oranges! And to suck an orange, you have to peel it with a sharp knife to remove the bitter tasting rind.
If you are right-handed, you hold the knife in your right hand and in your left hand, you hold the orange with the spot, where the stem once attached it to the tree, at the top. Starting from there, you cut away the skin, going round and round until you get to the bottom, making sure to keep the knife within the pith.
A skillful Jamaican will peel the orange so all the skin comes off in one long piece and without cutting too deep through the pith to expose any of the flesh of the fruit. When I was a child, my friends and I would compete to see who could remove the peel in one continuous piece. The peel would then be hung up to dry out and later used in baking. And even today, when I peel an orange, I always try to get the rind off in one long piece.
When peeled like this, the green orange will look like a white orange. The orange is then cut into halves through the thickest point, not through the top where the stem was attached.
Each half is then sucked. Not elegant, but what a taste! And of course, you get all the natural goodness of the fruit fresh from the tree. Some people will even peel back the pith and eat the insides completely, being left only with what looks like a yarmulke or skullcap.
That’s how ordinary Jamaicans enjoy oranges - they do not squeeze them and drink the juice from a glass, nor do they peel them with fingers and eat the pegs or segments.
If you have never sucked an orange, you probably will not believe that jamaican oranges taste so much better than the product available in supermarkets in developed countries. I urge you to try a Jamaican orange the Jamaican way. There is nothing like sinking your teeth into the fruit and feeling the juicy flesh and bits being chewed up in your mouth.
When Jamaicans residing abroad return home for a visit, they cannot wait to get their hands on some oranges. Now you know why.
Communicate directly with Prem Chadeesingh, the author of this article. Ask questions, send suggestions, comments, engage in conversation, or perhaps you would like to submit a project.
Click Here to ask a question, send a comment, or proposal.
The land of the kangaroos, wombats, koalas and Tasmanian Devils has countless breathtaking scenic destinations to discover and enjoy.
Plan now your excursion to Australia and be able to explore the country’s diverse iconic destinations.<
Backpacking in Peru is one of the most memorable experiences. The country’s stunning landscapes, rich culture and friendly people won’t leave you indifferent. Peru offers a lot of options for active vacation for everyone who loves adventu
One of my earliest child memories is getting on the back of my Dad’s motorbike, while he drove along the narrow roads of the of Antwerp where grew up in. Another memory is about an American television series, Street Hawk, which was
The Cotswolds have so many garden highlights which can be found in and around every picturesque village. This is reflected in the fact that the region plays host to some of the most stunning gardens in the UK.
Furthermore, the Cotswold Hills a
Placed in the western coast of India, Goa is a captivating holiday destination in India. It is smallest but gorgeous state of India. It is small but has many worthy destinations for celebrating holiday in truly pleasurable ways. It is widely much-adm
Run away from all the chains that bind you to a world full of monotony and gloom; and get ready to step into a vibrant world alive with fun and enjoyment. It is Europe we are talking about! Book cheap plane tickets to any destination in Europe and kn
If you are planning a trip to Jamaica and wondering what to see apart from the beaches and bask in the Caribbean sun, you can add Green Grotto Caves to your itinerary. These caves are perfect for a family or group outing. And if you are travelling wi
Turkey which lies in Mid East Asia is considered one of the most amazing tourist destinations of the world. Being one of the cheapest holiday destinations of the world it has built a reputation amongst travel enthusiasts for greeting foreign travelle
I will not be the first to say that airline tickets have lot more than they should be but there is a ton of ways to get cheap airline tickets to anywhere in the world. The key is where to look and for which airline to look into. We have a few tips fo
Lots of people having fun on the beach. Brilliant sunshine! Children and their parents digging in the sand, building sandcastles, tunnels and bridges. Some playing ball games, others flying kites. Many heading to the water with bodyboards under their
A “How dare you!” email from an angry customer! It’s happened a few times now. A few days after making a booking online and paying the deposit online by credit card, the email arrives with customer outraged, accusing Mysilversands o
Most of the guests at Silver Sands Jamaica utilize the professional transportation services provided by Mysilversands. One of Mysilversands contractor drivers, doing his usual duties, picked up a party of guests who had completed their stay in a Silv
You land in Jamaica and find yourself surrounded by blue skies and azure blue seas. Warm, welcoming and beautiful it is easy to slip into the easy camaraderie and laidback ambience of this exotic island. However, don’t let go of the explorer in
If you are planning to head to the Caribbean for a holiday, then Jamaica should feature high on your list of Caribbean destinations. Whether you are traveling with your family or friends, this island is guaranteed to turn your holiday into an unforge
Syndication
tweet
PDF version
Printable version
Publisher HTML version
Discussions (0)
Email Article
Review or Comment on this Location