I had the opportunity to go around the city a few days back. All thanks to a group of lovely people who came for some fun. It’s been quite a while since I last enjoyed spending time with people I just met. I do have to say, I was not expecting to be fed like there’s no tomorrow! Hah.
I have yet to find the opportunity to go to the ‘bagsakan’ for fruit and veggies, but seeing the stall selling local sweets and pomelos, I could not help myself but get a few pieces of these sweet and juicy, vitamin-C-rich fruit!
Funny though, I always refer to this fruit as pomelo/pummelo or suha, that I totally forgot that in this geographical spot, locals call it buongon. Terms change with regions, but meanings stay the same — and hearing this one felt like a rediscovery. When I heard someone say it, I felt the urge to post something related to this fruit — and perhaps, to remind myself of how language roots us to place and culture.
I’m most familiar with the pink pummelo, which Davao is known for. I remember, whilst I was still living in the capital, I made sure to stock up on these juicy gems that can last me at least two weeks. The sellers from whom I often buy from would always highlight that what they have is Davao pomelo. Ironically, now that I am currently finding solace in Davao, I have yet to find some sellers where I can buy in bulk. Enjoying the sweetness and juiciness of these blushing pink pomelos, I also remember having the white one years back in Malaysia — subtler in color, juicy, and very refreshing! It sustained me during my hike back then.
Whether pink or white, I often enjoy pomelo as is — or whenever I want to spice it up, I end up making a salad: a simple mix of fresh pomelo sacs, veggies, herbs, and a light dressing of either calamansi and chili or Nene’s Pomelo Dressing. Sometimes, with some seafood too! A dish that perfectly balances sweet, sour, and a bit of heat — parang buhay lang din. You gotta taste it all!
Katutubo Thursday
It’s all because of a term I knew existed but rarely heard that I am writing about this sweet, juicy, pinkish gem. Mother Nature truly is awe-mazing! Let’s now stretch out brain muscles and increase our word bank with some Katutubo 101.
Suha - pomelo / pummelo
Buongon - pomelo
Ensalada - salad
Bagsakan - a place in the market where goods are delivered in bulk and priced cheaply aka where traders and buyers gather, usually before dawn to exchange produce and stories.
Buhay - life
And now, let me share my go-to Ensaladang Pomelo (Pomelo Salad) recipe from years back. How about you? How do you enjoy pomelos?
I can’t wait to drool over your version of this easy-to-prepare salad on IG @amreyskitchen #amreyskitchen #amapolism #mindfuleating #salad #pomelo Remember, sharing is loving.
Let’s keep spreading LOVE with Amrey’s Kitchen™ mindfully crafted recipes and creations!
Happy salad prepping, lovelies! #mettalove
Add comment
Comments