Cravings

One of the things I still miss from Chile after 22 years...

Thank you for reading! Here at All Things Chilean, I talk about all the stuff that keeps me connected with Chilean culture: interesting titbits, press mentions, and adventures in trying to procure and grow vegetables, fruits, and flowers common in Chile. Please comment with your Chilean passions/findings or if you are looking for a traditional Chilean recipe. Comments are welcome in English or Spanish!

As a food blogger, I spend a lot of time thinking about food. After 22 years of living in the USA, I wish I would stop thinking about our fruits and vegetables, but really, no. I still get all in my feelings during the northern winter; this is 100% self-inflicted because while we are here in Seattle struggling with the Big Dark, I indulge in spying on all my friends in Chile during summer vacations and reading Chilean media.

All the Clerys and Borgoñas (wine punch) enjoyed under the grape vines (parrón). From there, dreaming of Cherimoya was just a given. So, last January, I became obsessed with finding good Cherimoyas in the USA.

For years in Houston (I haven't seen Cherimoyas in any supermarket in Seattle), when I saw a Cherimoya at the supermarket, I bought it, just to be disappointed. Cherimoyas are finicky fruits that don't like being manhandled, and their texture suffers from bruises. I knew I needed to try direct shipping; after some research, I ordered from a California farm, Rincon Tropics; what a fantastic experience! They are the best Cherimoyas I have eaten in decades. It's an expensive buy, but 100% worth it for me.

This is not sponsored in any way. I'm sharing it in case you are another Cherimoya lover. Remember that the seeds are poisonous; do not eat them.

If you live in California, get a Cherimoyo tree. They are easy to grow, and they start producing fruit 3-5 years after planting.

In the news:

7 Food Festivals in Chile Worth Planning Your Trip Around. That's a great list! I'm familiar with all of the ones listed. Being in Chile during the "18" our independence celebrations gives your travel a level of authenticity that is difficult to experience during the rest of the year.

My favorite Instagram of the week

@PanaderíaLaSuperior. It's difficult to explain the love Chilean people feel for bread. This feed has all the classic and many iconic sandwiches. See my recipes here to experiment with making Chilean bread at home.