This has been a long winter for everyone. No matter how committed I am to eating local as much as possible I've been caving lately. I Just. Can't. Eat. Another. Apple. Not one. And heck, those aren't even really local to Calgary. But I've run out of frozen berries and peaches, there are no more saskatoons or rhubarb for baking, and I need the tang and heat that comes with something grown in the sun, relatively recently.

I'll admit to buying imported blueberries and watching out for the California spring fruits that actually look good - I draw the line at strawberries that look white inside. But my true weakness are the tropical fruit I find at More Than Mangos. I know, I've mentioned them before. It goes against the true nature of our local farmers' market to have them on location, but I'm happy he's there.

Last weekend I picked up this pretty, round fruit. Mostly orange with some deep green it actually reminded me of my childhood bedroom. I was given free reign to pick my colours when I was about 7 or 8 and I chose peach and dark green. But the taste of the Lulo was anything but childish.

Tart, but sweet. Almost like a lime curd, but a lot tangier. The pulp, scooped out, had the texture of a soft jelly. In truth, the whole thing reminded me of eating those sour lemon candies - the fruit jellies covered in sugar. I ate the flesh atop a bowl of my favourite vanilla yoghurt. It was just what I needed on a not quite spring day.

And the girls? The Monster gamely took a bit and refused any more. Smilosaurus would eat it with enough yoghurt on the spoon, but that's it. It may have reminded me of childhood and candy, but my daughters apparently have different tastes.