Kumquat

Growing up my neighbor had this delicious kumquat tree in her backyard. I would feed myself all day long on those tasty things. I moved away more than a decade ago but those little treats crossed my mind many times since then.

Driving home from Washington I found some in an Oregon Safeway of all places and I couldn't wait to get some for my kids to try. I didn't remember them being so rough looking but sometimes things are just different when you grow them yourself. I was so excited to see them again I popped one into my mouth as soon as I got into the car.

It tasted like an orange rind, not how I remembered at all. So I tried to peel it (which apparently you need to do) and discovered it is essentially a tiny, less satisfying orange. My children were about as unimpressed as I was.

It turns out my neighbor had a  LOQUAT tree which is not even the same family of fruits. These are the not 'quats' I'm looking for.