Exciting new foods!

Hi Everyone!
I'm almost home!! I'll be arriving back home in the States this weekend. I absolutely love being in India, but now that the trip is almost over, it's fun to think of all the great things about being at home as well. I'll have a few more pictures and stories about eating vegan in India to share once I'm home, but I had these few cool things I definitely wanted to get up before I leave.

As a vegan, one can only be so adventurous with the food when travelling. I LOVE eating crazy new things, but I love being a vegan even more. Unfortunately, passionate feelings about vegan eating do present a limit when it comes to eating exotic and unknown treats. Here in India, you have the not-insignificant consideration of gastrointestinal safety to think of as well. My travel doctor set forth the 4 P's of safe eating in India: Peelable, Packaged, Processed, or Piping Hot. So, you can rest assured that I am VERY much looking forward to eating some fresh fruit and massive amounts of salad upon my return.

However, occassionaly, one does have success in adventurous vegan eating, even here in India! For instance, I saw a fellow sitting on the curb selling these things: He had big long stalks with these attached to them - very similar to the way a stalk of brussel sprouts grows (but obviously much bigger). There were a couple guys standing around eating the innards, and I was intrigued. With a little sign language, I was able to communicate that I wanted to buy one, but without him cutting it open with his giant machete first. In its sealed state, it was looking downright Peelable.


We got it home, and I eagerly cut it open ( which was not trememdously difficult, but not easy either)... and found these 3 little "pockets" of fruit inside. Firm, clear and moist... a little like a lychee nut in texture.

I used a spoon to scoop out the innards. The yellowish skin was bitter, but the fruit itself was cool and moist and very light. I can see why it would make a refreshing road-side treat. The flavor was similar to young coconut milk, very mild. All in all, a fun experiment. Does anyone know what this is called? I was thinking maybe Emilie would know, since I know that she's eating in many tropical climes!

Also, one night when I made a veggie scramble for everyone, I picked up these cool greens at the market. They are called Methi, and I understand them to be fenugreek leaves. Since I was planning on cooking up a nice hot dinner, I could get these, cook 'em up, and then they would qualify as Piping Hot. See how careful I was!? :)

Also, I thought I'd share this little picture. It's not much, but it's a great little market near our house where we can get most of our staples: soda water, Limca soda pop, soy milk, muesli, cookies, fruit juice... and they even have a pay phone (which is very handy since we can't call out from our apartment). Quite a friendly little spot!

I'm looking forward to getting home and getting busy in the kitchen... and back in action on the food blog!