Editor's Corner

Good morning, people!

Today is day two of our Hawaiian discoveries. I think today Ill write a little bit about fruit. Yes, fruit. Kauai is the garden island of Hawaii, and we visited several types of gardens while we were there. The Hawaiians refer to some of these places as plantations, which definitely leaves a bad taste in my mouth, but thats what they call them.

A little history first. Over the years, Hawaiian land was taken over and used for crops such as sugar cane, which requires a lot of work. Just like the contiguous U.S. used slaves, Hawaiis conquerors used Hawaiians. Some were paid with credit that they could only use at the stores owned by their employers. Others were paid 90 cents a day for a full day of back-breaking work. When Hawaii became a state in 1959, those practices stopped, and many the businesses left because they couldnt afford the living wage.

But this is getting depressing. On the plus side: statehood meant no more slavish treatment. And as far as the land, much of it was preserved and protected when the big businesses left. This fruit plantation that we went to is in business because they use the fruit and vegetables they grow for farm to table service in their restaurant. They do train tours and walking tours around the plantation. Oh yes, and they make rum, which has a lot to do with them staying in business.

So, lets check out what we saw on the walking tour! (The walking tour allowed you to take home fruit and vegetables for the road. Avocado lovers wouldve been in heaven.)

First, hua h/b> or star fruit.

If you slice a star fruit sideways, it looks like a star. I know, duh! You might find it at the store, but farmers tend to pick them too early when sending them far away. The fruit on this tree was ripe, crunchy, juicy, and so delicious!

Next, hala kahiki, or pineapple. Apparently, many people think pineapples grow on trees. Nope, they grow on a bush that takes a couple of years to bear fruit. Mmmm.

We walked, we tried tons of citrus fruits, and then we came to the part that blew my mind. Here is a photo of this amazing thing. What is this ugly mug? An apple? Yes, its called a cashew apple, and it tastes awful. And what is that parasitic-looking, cashew-like thing on the bottom?

Well, here are some without the apples:

These are cashews! They are still in their protective coverings, and they must be roasted before you eat them, to get rid of the poison inside them. Who knew? No wonder they are so expensive! I couldnt find a Hawaiian name for these.

The last thing that I have to tell you about is the farm. The farm had a couple of cows, a horse, llamas, and a bazillion wild pigs. The pigs break into the corral because they know theyll get free food. We fed all of them: gluten free tortillas for the pigs and llamas, grass cubes for the cows and horse.

For the sake of size, Ill only include the llama mamma, who has beautiful eyes.

Next time, less history and one word.

Kara Church | Technical Editor, Advisory | Technical Publications

Pronouns: she/her | Call via Teams | jackhenry.com

Editors Corner Archives: https://episystechpubs.com/