IDareToHope

Sometimes I like to go to the store, just to see what newfangled things are there. I’m convinced someone doing the ordering at Hansens Grocery (Safeway-owned) must have cravings like me, and wants to bring in unique and odd items for those with eclectic tastes…  🙂

Today I discovered this odd little shaped fruit. There was no sign below it and no price tag on it. I assumed it cost a pretty penny, as the dragon fruits above it were around $10.50/lb. I texted a quick pic to my dad, but then turned to Google, while standing in the produce aisle.

Turns out, thanks to Google and the little brand sticker, it’s a Cactus Pear!   And I discovered after purchasing 2, they were about $3.50 each. 

I remember when my dad came to visit me a couple years ago, I took him to the store to get some groceries and he had to take a photo of our produce aisle. I said something like “I know, isn’t it expensive??” and he replied with,  “I’m just impressed you have them here!” 

When I first moved to Nome, my new friends gave me some *fruitful* advice: “If you need it, buy it. Don’t look at the price.” That may not seem so wise in other parts of the country, or even state… but here in bush AK I can wander around the store, stressing about the prices, wondering if I should really get this or that and then end up leaving with nothing and eating the same old-same old.   As our eating establishments are limited, if you want some variety in your cuisine, you have to cook/purchase it yourself.

While this fruit may not be as exotic as others (and is really just grown in California) the fact that we can get it here speaks wonders of our modern shipping routes and eclectic tastes of Safeway produce orderers. 🙂

What’s the most fun kind of produce you’ve found in your store?