I went shopping at the Sacalão (fruit/vegetable store) the other day, and saw this:
I've seen it before, but never bothered to look it up or ask what it was. One of my favorite workers was there, and I asked him what it was, and he said "mu-she-she." He was surprised that I'd never had it before. I don't know, but there's something about the spikes that just doesn't say "try me! I'm tasty!"
But it was R$1,90 (about $1 USD), so I decided to go for it. I came home and showed it to my husband, and he was so excited. It is so wonderfully Muppet looking, isn't it?
A little research (thanks Flavors of Brazil), and I've learned that it's named after Maxixe, Mozambique. It was brought to Brazil by African slaves, and is very common in the northeast of Brazil. They are related to cucumbers (and zucchini?), but best when they are cooked. It's frequently cooked with okra (another very popular Brazilian veggie).
I forgot to ask the housekeeper to make it today with lunch (oops, I'm a little too busy-end of the school year!), so we have yet to try it yet. But I'll let you know how it is!
I've seen it before, but never bothered to look it up or ask what it was. One of my favorite workers was there, and I asked him what it was, and he said "mu-she-she." He was surprised that I'd never had it before. I don't know, but there's something about the spikes that just doesn't say "try me! I'm tasty!"
But it was R$1,90 (about $1 USD), so I decided to go for it. I came home and showed it to my husband, and he was so excited. It is so wonderfully Muppet looking, isn't it?
A little research (thanks Flavors of Brazil), and I've learned that it's named after Maxixe, Mozambique. It was brought to Brazil by African slaves, and is very common in the northeast of Brazil. They are related to cucumbers (and zucchini?), but best when they are cooked. It's frequently cooked with okra (another very popular Brazilian veggie).
I forgot to ask the housekeeper to make it today with lunch (oops, I'm a little too busy-end of the school year!), so we have yet to try it yet. But I'll let you know how it is!
Yes, it looks very much like something the Muppets would eat! I look forward to hearing what you think of the taste!
ReplyDeleteit is very bitter. I personally do not like it. When it cooks it looks all gummy, not too appetizing.
ReplyDelete