Food Sadhana

Standing in the produce isle at Mana foods  I hear a tiny voice behind me speak up.  "What does a mango taste like mommy?" I turned around and, looking down, saw the wide eyed little girl curiously inspecting the island fruits.

I lowered myself to her level, handing her a golden gift from Maui, "like sunshine."

It wasn't until a few days later that I realized the depth of what it is I said to that tiny goddess. Mangos, and indeed all of the plant food we eat is filled with sunshine. Light particles stream across our solar system from the red giant in the middle providing energy and giving strength to these amazingly beautiful and unshakeably strong trees. In return, the tree grows and produces, dropping fruit and seed in hopes of planting new offspring. There is no second guessing or doubt here. The mango tree does not ask if it should grow in this sort of way or that.  "Is my trunk to big?" "Is this color ok?" "What would the orchid say if she saw me like this?" None of that. What a simple and meaningful existence! I believe we humans have much to learn from our friends the flora. That said, we all play our part. As humans have been bestowed upon the sacred duty to enjoy the fruit and plant the seed.  What luck!

As with any relationship, when you come to understand the object of relation, the bond grows tighter and the experience becomes more positive. This last week I was taught by Ted the 'correct' way to cut and enjoy a mango to maximize the effectiveness and aesthetic experience that one has with their cullanary companion. I must say, it is a lot less sticky then my former habit of peeling the skin and biting in! 

You begin by cutting aong the seed begining at the stem. The pit of the mango is a long thin oblong shape so use the knife to trace the pit as you cut the mango in half.  A sharp pearing knife or a searated edge would work best.  Take each half of the mango and create a checkeroard like pattern in the fruit with your knife. When you have finished, take your thumbs to the skin of the fruit and push turning the insides out and you will see several tiny perfect mango cubes ready to be eaten. If you are serving for friends you can cut them out and place on a tray, and if you are enjoying casually just eat from the peel. 

Enjoy the sun!