Cathy and I splurged on a box of clementines this Christmas. They were a little expensive this year (no doubt because they needed a passport to get here), and they never last very long, but this being the season of traditions, an orange or clementine has a role to play. Not all that long ago, experiencing a citrus fruit in the dead of winter was the height of luxury. Granted, this is even a little before my time, but Santa always made sure to put an orange or something related in our stockings (just as Santa’s parents did). As a kid, I always thought this a little strange and a waste of good stocking real estate. Why put a piece of fruit where there could be a toy or some chocolates?
No such thoughts yesterday. These marvels of the citrus family can be peeled with just your fingers, are virtually seedless and very sweet. The perfect snack for a lazy day. A day when phone calls are personal, the shopping is either done or abandoned and there’s no need to do anything except enjoy.
Clementines are must in Japan where I grow up. In winter, every house hold has clementines on the table and eat while we are watching TV or writing New Year's cards (not x'mas cards) putting our legs in Kotatsu-a small table with an electric heater underneath and futon drapes down to the floor to keep the heat in).
ReplyDeleteEverytime I eat clementine, I think of my childhood in Japan.
Thank you Mamie. So interesting how the same food evokes different moments for everyone.
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