The story of the three wise men with treasures who came from the east and followed a star is a very prominent story which circulates this season.
Now these three wise men were given specific instructions and they obeyed. In the end, because of a dream, they departed from the place they visited by taking another route, thus not returning to the evil king (Matthew 2:1-21, King James Version).
This particular story, which is revered during this season, caused me to focus on many aspects of Barbadian grown fruit. In case some readers are not aware, our fruit trees are divinely coded with bearing seasons. Hence, part of our purpose is to become more aware of economic methods of fruit preservation and preparation.
While a teacher of food and nutrition at Grantley Adams Memorial School, I taught my students how to prepare and preserve fruit which were in season. Actually, as the planned lay-offs come into effect, those with these skills may have to put them to economic use. This is very important to our development as a nation because those particular students can further tap into those resources and use them to develop fruit businesses.
Furthermore, like the wise men with treasures, our fruit trees are healers and food treasures. Treasures because they are nurtured in excellent sunlight and rainwater always assists with their development, unlike some other fruit which are nurtured in hot houses, affected by horrendous industrial smog and other pollutants. Barbadians must recognize that our fruit is very safe for consumption.
Moreover, as I follow the story of the three wise men and our fruit, I cannot help but empower readers. Those who despise Barbadian fruit or have not acquired the taste for them must, like the wise men, take another route. This innovative route which I will direct you on is safe.
This week as you traverse from the country or through town, try your best to get some golden apples, five fingers, fresh sorrel and bananas. Stew the sorrel and then add the other fruit which must be diced to make a delicious fruit salad. Try this new route to create other personal recipes because Barbadian grown fruit is nutritious with lots of economic potential.
Finally, the wise men were warned in a dream. We must not only dream but become growers of our own fruit. We must commence dreaming of Barbados having larger backyard fruit orchards, high-tech fruit processing plants and supermarkets and vendors’ trays not scattered but loaded with fruit and products marked “grown and processed in Barbados”. Only then will we consciously understand ‘eat what we grow”.
• Annette Maynard-Watson is a teacher and herbal educator.
DISCLAIMER:?It is not our intention to prescribe or make specific claims for any products. Any attempts to diagnose or treat real illness should come under the direccton of your health care provider.
