At this particular time of the year, this strange fruit called ‘marita’ or the red/yellow pandanus (Pandanus conoideus Lamarck) makes an appearance in the markets all over PNG. It belongs to the species of pandanus with edible fruits of which ‘kaong’ is the most popular among Filipinos. A single fruit can weigh up to 5 kgs and could reach a length of two feet at most. A traditional food in Papua New Guinea, the fruit is often roasted or boiled for about 30 minutes after the fruit has been cut up into pieces. A thick red/yellowish oily paste, the consistency of tomato sauce, is produced after the segments are squeezed and are usually poured over boiled root crops such as sweet potato. Although I have yet to taste it, it is described as having a slight but distinct taste which goes well with pork meat. Karuka, another member of the species is eaten like peanuts and has a taste that resembles that of a mature coconut.
Visiting the markets of PNG is always an adventure because each time you see something new, something strange.
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