Deep Thoughts on Nature: An Ode to Jack Handy
- By Chris Mittelstaedt
- Reading Time: 2 mins.
Have I mentioned how impressed I am with nature? I mean, all those things it does for us, like make the trees magically bud and the gnomes come out and those talking cloud creatures. Even after the time the wind stole my lunch money in 5th grade, I still love it. Like everyone else I know, there are times when I am tempted to do the “nature-o-matic” machine I made out of cardboard and tin foil and punch in an order for flocks of seagulls to move with the wanderings of my mind.
Lately however I’ve been perplexed as to why nature hasn’t acted on my latest memo and instilled us with the ability to produce Vitamin C. It’s confusing to think that humans—along with primates and guinea pigs—are the only mammals on the planet that have lost the ability to produce their stash of this essential vitamin. We produce Vitamin K from bacteria in our intestines and Vitamin D when ultraviolet light hits our skin. Vitamin C is essential to the production of collagen (which is abundant in our connective tissues), prevents and cures scurvy, and can be beneficial in the treatment of iron-deficiency anemia. Plus, according to the Pauling Institute, Vitamin C is a great aid in combating colds, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. I know I’ve tried to produce my Vitamin C by sitting quietly in a field chewing cud and “thinking like a cow,” but to no avail. Well, luckily, we have help. Nature, in a random act of kindness, decided to produce citrus for us. Did I mention, I’m recommending nature for a raise?
Murcots
Sure it sounds like a small furry mammal that lives on the plains of Africa but in reality it is a wonderful mandarin. Murcotts are the dark orange pieces of citrus in the crate this week with the stem and leaf attached at the top. They are super sweet and juicy, and your Vitamin C craving will be satisfied. Each one has about 35 percent of your Vitamin C for the day (varies by the size of fruit). Also—check out our mixes this week.
Enjoy and be fruitful! – Chris Mittelstaedt chiefbanana@fruitguys.com
