Nomadic Narrative

I cracked my first double-yolked egg in Madrid, Spain back in the early 1990s. A tiny, hole-in-the-wall butcher shop sat across the street from my apartment building. I loved visiting each particular shop to get what I needed for the next couple of days. It was at this fresh poultry shop where I learned that two yolks are better than one in terms of freshness—at least that’s the story I was sold, and bought.

I recently purchased a bunch of bananas at the Mas por Menos, now owned by Wal-Mart, down the street from my house. Unpacking, I noticed that one banana was particularly huge.

After photographing the mutant fruit, thirteen times, I couldn’t wait to peel it. I had to see what was inside. Sure enough, there were two, full-grown fleshy parts wrapped inside of one peel.

While wanting to believe this is also a sign of freshness or simply nature at work, I couldn’t help but think that it might be the product of pesticide abuse. Banana producers are not exactly known for environmentally friendly and socially responsible crop production.

The good news is that there are efforts to transform the banana industry. Like many, I can’t bear to think that one of my favorite fruits detracts from a healthy environment. Consumers really carry a heavy burden today to make responsible choices. Our purchases or lack of purchases can drive change. And, we should exercise that power.

Down with mutant bananas!