12/31/2025
There's a special kind of joy when you discover a new, random edible has appeared in your surrounds. It's a gift the Earth puts in your path, regardless of whether we're deserving. Take this teensy, tiny banana for example. The plant's been growing alongside the house for quite a few years now. Rescued from the brink of termite tenting, it sat dormant and didn't look like it would thrive.
In fact, I had no idea that it was banana to start with or that it would ever produce fruit. Lo and behold, a fully recovered plant in June produced this incredible flower with bunches attached to it.
It's now December 31st and I've been watching this thing on the daily to determine when it might be ready to taste. To my surprise, this morning I spied one yellow fruit in the small bunch that has survived. I prepared myself for it to have a funky taste, possibly bitter, or bland, or simply having a coarse and fibrous texture.
It, instead, was divine. Sweet, with a firm yet delicate texture. For the first time in my life I tasted a banana straight from the branch. The best banana I've ever had in fact, and all of three bites.
Sometimes the greatest gifts are sitting right under our noses, and are truly given with no strings attached. As we sit perched on the edge of a new year, I hold fast to the amazing resilience and generosity of our Earth.
May we continue to protect her and appreciate the gifts she provides, and celebrate our own ability to recognize gifts when they cross our paths.
