Summer Fruit

The start of summer means an introduction to a many new fruit here in Qing-pu. You can always tell what is in season by what the street carts are selling.  For about two weeks now, along with a light green peaches, watermelons, and lychee there was an interesting - if not bizarre, looking fruit that seemed to be a real crowd pleaser.  I can only describe it as a round raspberry with really small drupelets. Unlike a raspberry it isn't hollow on he inside but does have a pit, much like a cherry.

They are used here to sweeten wines or are eaten dried, but I was introduced to them plain and simple - washed and eaten whole.  One of the grade 1 teachers brought them into the office on Friday and gave me a bag full along with simple instructions if I were to purchase some myself: Wash them and soak them in salt water for about 10minutes.

They are hard to describe, but perhaps the raspberry analogy is fitting enough, although they are a little fleshier and not so soft. They come in shades of dark red to a deep purple and I can say with confidence that they are my new favourite summer fruit. 

The name for them in Chinese is yángmé but in English I've come into two different translations: The Bayberry or the Waxberry. Since the fruit is a little waxy on the outside (not so much that you taste it) I have adopted the Wax version.

here's some more information on the fruit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myrica_rubra

If you ever come across these interesting berries, purchase a few, wash them, and soak them in salt water for around 10 minutes. You won't be disappointed!