The other weekend I was on a hunt for pomelo, or what locals would call jabong. For those not knowing what a pomelo or jabong is, it's a large citrus fruit, very similar to an XL version of grapefruit and it hails from Southeast Asia and Malaysia. Just like grapefruit, there are some who can stomach the bitterness of pomelo and can also be classified as yellow or ruby red.
In the Chinese custom, many businesses and homes will offer pomelo at the alter as an offering to the deities and their ancestors. Our previous pomelo had paid its dues and it was a time for a replacement. I walked through multiple produce stalls in Chinatown not being able to find any. I was just about to give up and buy a couple of oranges or tangerines instead but then remembered Lyla D.'s recent posting of ABC Market.
Located at the corner of Oahu Market with intersections of N King St and Kekaulike St, ABC Market is a produce stall that primarily carries an array of fresh fruit and some veggies. Their display is quite nicely arranged and I was impressed with the vibrant colors of dragon fruit, locally grown papayas and exotic looking fruits of soursop and star apple.
At first I couldn't locate any pomelo but just when I was about to give up I looked in the corner and saw some on the upper left shelf. I was delighted and tried to look for one that was visually appealing and with a longer shelf life. Longer shelf life you ask? Just like any other citrus fruits, the ones with a smooth and softer exterior will appear more juicy - - signs of a ripe fruit. The ones with a more firmer texture and rougher skin it not ripe yet - - therefore, I'll be able to place it at the alter for a longer period of time.
Just above the pomelo fruit had a sign in large black print of 79 cents per pound. My selected pomelo weighed in just under 3 lbs but the cash register displayed my cost of $3. I did the math and it didn't add up so I looked back at the sign only to be confused. The male cashier immediately understood my confusion and pointed at a smaller sign written on recycled cardboard with a much lighter black ink of $3 each but the sign didn't state what item it was. This was quite misleading and not worth exerting my energy addressing their signage. I paid for my fruit, put it in my eco-friendly shopping bag and walked away.
Overall, I had an average shopping experience where I walked away with what I wanted to buy. The bottom line: signage and prices should be legible where both item and price are clearly displayed.
NOTE: Cash and EBT cards accepted. read more