Locally, we call it Bugnay. It’s been around 25 years since I last had one! They used to sell it outside our school gate when I was in first grade (I’ve been dropping hints about my age here). I’ve always wondered what these were and where to find them again. It’s one of those wild fruits, like Lumboy, that you just don’t see as often anymore.
I always thought it was a berry. Bugnay looks like one, but technically it isn’t. Much like Lumboy, it’s tart with a hint of sweetness when ripe, and sour when unripe.
You’d find these sold in little plastic bags with a packet of salt. Mine came with crushed chilies—my partner knows I love a little kick!
I remember only tasting this ONCE at school in first grade. I never got the chance the buy it again (my baon was just 50 cents back then, and I can only afford my favorite flower meringue cookies with it). When I finally had some coins to buy one, I learned a life lesson-- that fruits come in "seasons". So it was out of season, I guess, and I can only bring it back from memory until this morning.
My partner came home with a surprise she never knew meant so much to me (I love you Lor!).
Who else has this as a core childhood memory?
