Durian for lunch @ Melbourne

With the excellence logistic transportation & freezing technology, I can have durian, a tropical fruit, in cold city like Melbourne. I paid A$4.90 per kg for it. One durian costed me A9.00.

I grew up with durian culture. We value durian very much that the local would pawn his sarong for a durian. Sarong is the local male wear as the Westerner wears the trousers. Forty years, we had durian twice a year. Now, genetic enhanced technology enable us to have durian throughout the year.

When it was durian season, we would have them for breakfast, lunch and dinner. After having these delicious king of the fruit, we would drink tap water from the shell - this to prevent us from illness. Practically, to hydrate our body.

I am so lucky to grew up in this culture - because if you are not used to the smell - it can be very repulsive. It is a fruit fulls of nutrition as well. When it is in season with bumper crop, it is cheap. Twenty years ago, in my hometown, a kati costs one ringgit.

Durian is at its best when it first drop to ground. We would not eat over-night durian.

Safeway win-win retailing

On Monday midday, I experience first time in Safeway the market style of fresh food retailing. A green shirt Safeway staff was shouting - a bag for two dollars, shoppers. A few shoppers were busy stuffing into the flimsy plastic bag with fresh food. I asked if it is worth it. A shopper nodded her head. I was given a bag & I found 3 passionfruits, bananas, a quaster of cabbage, a few beans, three apples and a lettuce. Normally, one passionfruit costs 50 cents. We would treated with banana cake and children donut.

This creative retailing is a win-win situation. Safeway can get rid of the older stock and consumer can save money.