Sweet on the outside
skin soft and waxy-tough
bitter in the middle
My Auntie bought a bag of them
she told me ‘these are not for you’
which meant (of course) I had to try:
I didn’t like them.
Originally from China
a place where I have never been
oriental citrus
A Twenty-something housesitting
the Cemetery Lodge,
‘Help yourself to the liquor, girl, but please
don’t touch the kumquat vodka…’
Where did it come from?
Possibly a gift from Greece
not to be squandered.
Last year I found some
in a fragrant garden by the Med
where the warm sea breeze swept
over Calahonda.
Sweet on the outside
skin soft and waxy-tough
bitter in the middle
Tasting like marmalade, or candied fruit
tang on the tongue of bitter citrus juice
ripe in the sunshine:
this time I liked it.
© Experimentsinfiction 2021, All Rights Reserved
Written for dVerse
Kim is hosting Poetics, and asks us to take inspiration from Imtiaz Dharker’s poem, ‘How to Cut a Pomegranate:’
The challenge is to think of a fruit, how it looks before and after it has been cut open, and how it tastes. Think about where and how it grows, and what it makes you think of. You may choose to write a poem in the style of Imtiaz Dharker, or you can explore the fruit in another way and in any form you choose. Whichever you choose, your poem should appeal to the senses.
I wanted a fruit which was a bit unusual (at least where I’m from) and which has immediate sensory appeal. A kumquat is a kind of back-to-front citrus fruit, with the bitter taste coming not from the peel but from the juice in the centre. I revisited some old memories of times when this fruit has touched my life.
I love the thought of a fruits that takes its time to please you… maybe this is what a forbidden fruit should be.
An astute observation Björn, thank you!
I love that title, Ingrid, which made me smile, and I’m delighted you chose to write about a kumquat – unusual, yes, and I agree about the sensory appeal – the memory of Auntie with a bag of fruit not meant for you and the wonderful description in the lines:
‘Tasting like marmalade, or candied fruit
tang on the tongue of bitter citrus juice
ripe in the sunshine’.
Thank you Kim, I am pleased you enjoyed it 😊
Some fruits take some time getting used to, specially with the taste and smell. This is a delicious fruit specially with:
tang on the tongue of bitter citrus juice
ripe in the sunshine:
Thank you Grace, it’s a grown up taste, but rather special!
This is absolutely STUNNING, Ingrid 😍 I so love the title- it grips the reader instantaneously- as well as the memory associated with the fruit; “Tasting like marmalade, or candied fruit,”.. I believe once we develop a taste for it, we can never forget! 💝💝
Yes, it’s obviously stuck with me one way or other! Thank you Sanaa 🥰 🍊🙏
Some of them are actually very sweet. That’s the intrigue to me—you never know which flavor you’re going to get until it’s squirting on your tongue.
This is my favorite part:
“I found some
in a fragrant garden by the Med
where the warm sea breeze swept
over Calahonda.”
Thank you: I have only tasted them very occasionally in my life, so I suppose the experience stuck with me!
up to your hgh stanard again. this prompt is adding fruit to my to try list as for marmalade i have a sandwich under a big red hat if anybody wants a bite.
Sounds perfect!
Love this! And the ending is perfect….a journey of your tastes.
PS: And isn’t that always the way? Tell me I can’t have it and of course I want it! 🙂
Of course 😉
A astonishing choice, a wonderful poem. I had a similar issue in Hawaii. They sell a dozen kinds of fruit, Mango like, with all kinds of colors and tastes. I tried a few, but they all seemed alien o my palette.
Thank you Glenn. What I remember from Hawaii is white pineapple, that was lovely!
Apparently, it’s an acquired taste. Nice work.
Thanks Ron. I believe I acquired it!
You had me at that title! And all that sharp sour sweetness within.
Thanks De 🍊😊
Ah, such a journey from judgmental youth to accepting age. The kumquat is the perfect metaphor.
It is when you think about it! Thank you.
Oh, I love this, Ingrid… everything forbidden usually tastes better…
I reckon it does…
🙂
Citrus is one of the five Cs where I live, so although kumquats are not a local fruit, like grapefruit and oranges, I connected to and enjoyed your citrus description. I loved learning a bit about the fruit’s origin. A sweet and juicy poem! 😋
Thanks Michele! Now I am curious to know what the other four Cs are…
My pleasure. I knew you would be. 😊 The five AZ Cs: cattle, climate, cotton, copper and citrus 🌞
Wow, sounds great 😎 thank you for enlightening me 😊
Sometimes, we have to try something more than once to appreciate it’s true flavor. Your last verse captures that moment of revelation.
Thank you 🙏
I love kumquats! I don’t think I ever tried them as a child. I only discovered them perhaps a few years ago, but I find them irresistible now when I see them in stores. These were perfect little fruits for this challenge as they are so different inside and out.
Thank you Susan, I love them too now!
I’ve seen these “tiny oranges” at the store before but never tasted one. Good information to know. I like your situational encounters with it, Ingrid.
Thank you Lisa, the only times I remember kumquats touching my life!
You’re welcome.
A great poem Ingrid. Seems like an acquired taste; both the fruit and the Vodka!
The ironic thing is, I never did touch the vodka!
Probably a smart choice on your part!
very nice
Thank you 😊
💕😊🌹
😊
Love the story weaved in.
Sometimes we need to develop before we can appreciate these unique flavours, but then, they’re all the more special.
That’s exactly right Darius, thank you!
The shifting tastebuds and experiences, you chronicle your encounters so well. This secretive fruit with a mysterious flavor and history. Enjoyed, Ingrid.
Thank you K.!
I love the sensory memories in this–and of course the appeal of the forbidden fruit!
Thank you Merril! 😊
This reminded me of a Masterchef episode I watched recently where i learned kumquat for the first time. This is light and informative, Ingrid. This part made me laugh:
she told me ‘these are not for you’
which meant (of course) I had to try:
I didn’t like them.
Thank you – I do apologise, I don’t know how your comment ended up in spam!
ohhhh love this and love these bitter sweet morsals. Gotta move mine to more sun❣️
Oooh you have your own? I’m jealous 🥰
8 years and struggling but I savor the few.🌷
I love the way you described the taste! “Tang on the tongue, bitter citrus fruit”. Now I have to try it. I don’t mind acquiring the taste for kumquat vodka 😀
I remember the first time I tried one. I thought it was a tangerine and soon discovered not!
Yes, it’s quite different!
this is interesting, i’ve heard of kumquat, but don’t think i’ve ever seen one, now i’m curious, the fruit that is, think i’ll pass on the vodka though. this was very well written, enjoyed very much
Thank you. I didn’t try the vodka, but I can’t say I’m sorry about that!
Ingrid,
Something of an acquired taste, I imagine, and memorable occasions all wrapped up in a kumquat. Enjoyed this!
~🕊Dora
Thank you Dora, I’m glad you did 🙏
Don’t mind me .. just following along in your footsteps. Cheers to everything Kumquat, including the vodka!
Thanks Helen! 🍊🙏 🥂
A treat for the senses. (K)
Thank you!
and I liked your writing about it, nice and personal, sweet, bitter and waxy
Thank you!
Love the way you balance the writing from not wanting to eventually loving it. Considering it is a citrus makes it easier to try it out and later to accept it. Wonderful write Ingrid!
Hank
Thanks Hank!
I love how you captured the changing of taste and perception over time.
Thank you!
Now I want to try it.
You know, I never did try the vodka!
I’m not so much a vodka person personally. But I’d try it.
I just got a tangy taste.
Great! 😊
smiles… and now to pour a whiskey ~
I never did try the kumquat vodka!
well, there’s always next time ~