Caqui season

In Brasilia, at most of the busy intersections people sell stuff, which you just buy through your window when you feel so inclined. Most of the time they sell trash bags (sans trash, as I had to explain to Naomi) and mop rags (because Brazilian mops are actually giant squeegees on the end of a stick that you then wrap a rag around) (why not, right?). Sometimes they sell water bottles or snacks, especially during rush hour. And then there's one guy who sells those electric tennis racket mosquito swatter things. 

But then at this time of year, everyone starts selling little boxes stacked with pyramids of what I originally thought were orangish-tomatoes. I never bought any last year, because I couldn't see what was so special about the boxed tomatoes. Turns out they're not tomatoes (those are usually green, anyway). It's persimmon season!

I really like persimmons! My grandma lives in the California Bay Area, and one time she gave me a persimmon from her friend's tree. It was ripe to the point of near explosion, and every bite was like candy. I loved it, but I think that may be the only persimmon I'd ever eaten before moving to Brazil.

Here they are called caquis. They only grow at this time of year, so I've decided to enjoy the season this year and eat them to the point of near explosion. They're delicious and refreshing and incredibly sweet.

Plus, it's great to be able to eat candy and pretend it's actually something healthy!