Memory in an Orange, December 5, 2005

I remember that the Thai police officer smelled like oranges. Out! He yelled, waving his finger and pointing at the three of us sitting in the Toyota minivans middle seat. No one moved. The Brit next to me with the shaved head smiled. The officer rapped him on the shoulder. Passport! The driver of the mini-van had brought us within just one mile of the border with Malaysia. He shook his head and mouthed silently into the rearview mirror, No. The British guy next to me handed over his passport, and the officer took it, chuckled, slammed the sliding side door, and walked around the corner.

The driver of the minivan looked worried. I said no, passports; he reminded us. They do this if the company has not made payments, he said. He looked around nervously and turned on the engine. The British guy next to me began to protest as the driver sped away, the police never gave chase. You can go to the British embassy, the driver said. It was 1992, my first brush with corruption. The smell of oranges wafted again into the air. I turned around to see one of the older, obviously more experienced backpacking travelers, slowly peeling and eating an orange. He shrugged. It happens sometimes, he said quietly and offered me a wedge. I love that this memory is locked in the rind of an orange.

Booth Ranch

We have received beautiful Fukimoto oranges from Doug at Booth Ranch now and in the past. The Ranch was founded in 1957 with 40 acres. Today they harvest citrus trees from Fresno to Bakersfield and produce some of the sweetest and most beautiful navel oranges we see. In case you missed it two weeks ago, here is some nutritional information on oranges: Nutritional Information:* Serving Size: 1 medium orange. 62 calories. Calories from fat – 0. Total Fat, Cholesterol, Sodium – 0 grams each. Potassium – 237 milligrams, Carbohydrates – 14 grams, Fiber – 3 grams, Protein – 1 gram, Vitamin A – 3%, Calcium – 5%, Folate – 10%, Vitamin C – 117% * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calories diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower, depending on your calorie needs.

Enjoy and be fruitful! – Chris Mittelstaedt chiefbanana@fruitguys.com