...Homemade Rainbows...


Wednesday, February 3, 2010

chambakka jelly


With thanks to an Indian door to door salesman munching on a pretty little pink fruit we now have jars of sweet jelly in our kitchen.
Known as Chambakkas in his native language... or here (after a little investigation) known commonly as Wax Jambus or Water Roseapples.
They grow on the nature strip across the street!
A large tree I hadn't paid heed to before and neither it seems had many others in the neighbourhood because the fruit, abundant and pink lay fallen and uneaten across the grass, as well as squished so sadly in a mass of waste on the road.
A quick courteous visit to these neighbours was in order before Mia and I promptly filled our basket with fruit and made our way to the kitchen to get boiling, squishing and jelly making.
How could such a source of unusual crunchy deliciousness have been so unknown to us for so long?

It was with big smiles that that salesman left our door that day.
Him without a sale but having had a most friendly chat in a new *world* he admitted he had few friends in, plus crisp fruit reminding him of home... and me with an amusing lesson in his native tongue (it feels good to know my clumsy accent gave him a giggle that day) and the knowledge of another new tree full of exotic goodness right outside home here.
Did you know in India *akka* means fruit and *chamb* is this type of fruit?
I do....now.

12 comments:

Inoureyes said...

You learn something new everyday. Have never laid eyes on this fruit before.
What does the jelly taste like?

Kristi said...

This story just warms my heart. I find it so endearing that you befriended the salesman even if for only a short time. It is exciting living in another country but it is also a very lonely experience.

Tricia said...

What a lovely story..and what gorgeous fruit! They remind me of little baby bottoms.

I wonder how much more we could learn from others in our community if we only spoke to eachother more??

Anonymous said...

what a great story! and i'm so glad you've got all that lovely jam.

Patricia said...

I like the story and the red/ pink pear!!!
That looks jummy jummy jummy :)

Kelly said...

I really love this story. What a fabulous new discovery for you and I wish the man a happy life in his new country. Those chambakkas certainly look delicious.

Sabrina said...

Oh wow- I've never seen or heard of such fruit. They look amazing and I imagine they must make for some delicious eating. What a wonderful discovery...and story.

Heather said...

I have never heard of that fruit before either, but what a cool story to go with finding a new fun treat to enjoy

Madeline said...

A cool story and a new fruit to try out...sounds like a wonderful day.

5orangepotatoes said...

Love trying new fruits. How exotic that one looks to me.
lisa

gardenmama said...

The fruits are incredibly beautiful, and your photos paired with this lovely story is so sweet! I feel like I wish I had been with you picking fruit and creating jam on this day!

Jennifer said...

That is so neat. I never knew such a fruit existed.