I'm feeling very pious right now having just joined a 6 week exercise programme. Yes only six weeks, but hey, small steps. Clawing at the turf of Teufaiva isn't the only thing I have been doing. I've also gotten my hooks into a plethora of online articles about the latest wonder foods and miracle health fixes, some of which you'll be pleased to know are readily available right here in the Kingdom.
Let's start with niu mata. Surely you've caught up with the coconut water craze gripping celebrities. Who would be seen dead clutching a little adopted african baby ( so 2010)?! Instead the latest accessory of choice is a hairy bolder filled with miracle juice. There are many amazing facts about the uses of coconut water - apparently it even used to be used as an infusion into bodies affected by war, in the place of plasma. The funniest story though comes from my bubu, who tells me that in Tanzania no one would be seen dead drinking coconut water, in fear of being fatefully struck down by an affliction which would see parts of their (male) nether regions bulging to resemble coconuts. The mind boggles!
And then there's noni juice - famed to cure everything from cold sores to cancer. The noni fruit - also rather unfortunately referred to as 'dog dumpling' tastes disgusting (yes, I actually tried it raw. In sheer desperation suffering from cold sores, while walking in Sopu I yanked some off a bush and took a nibble. I won't do that again). But if you're shopping around in health stores, you can find it sweetened to make it just that little bit more palatable.
But my favourite is 'Apele Initia, Indian Apple or Soursop. A fruit of beautiful contradiction - swollen, full and heart-shaped, yet slightly spiky, repelling your touch. It's fruit drips from trees right about now. I love splitting its flesh open down the centre of its heart and sucking the tangy pulp from its pips - and don't be shy about it - the pip-spitting just adds to the experience! Fresh is great - the sorbet sourness of the pulp with a hint of sweetness helps you get past the thick, silky texture. But frozen is just as great! Scoop out spoonfuls of the pulp into a container and freeze. When you're ready for a tangy cooler, just chip some off, whizz in a blender, and enjoy just like a slushy.
Indian Apple is claimed to be a remedy for a long list of ailments, much the same as noni. You can find the fruit around - usually in Fanga, or at Talamahu markets in plentiful supply at various times throughout the year. About TOP3-5 for one or two, depending on how ripe the fruit is getting. Look for a fruit with a bright green colour and you'll know its starting to sweeten.Walk through the markets in Tonga and you see Vai Apele India in bottles of all shapes and sizes, with colour and taste...er...variation on as broad a spectrum - I imagine - not having quite plucked up the courage to imbibe of some myself!
Instead, I have dedicated myself to creating my very own inu Apele India miracle sip! After a few squats, lunges, sprints (ok, jogs...) one sure works up a thirst! Here's to the latest wonder-cure apple of my eye!
For four medium cocktails you'll need:
4 shots of vodka
4 shots of cointreau
4 scoops of frozen apele india
2-3c apple juice
a few sprigs of mint
a twist of lime
ice
Combine altogether in a blender. Pulse until ice and apele india has pulped. Pour into margarita glasses, serve with a straw, twist of lime and an extra sprig of mint.
Best served after a brisk jog.
