This tree is in Max's front yard. Maddie loves to climb up in its branches and play all kinds of fantasy games. Meanwhile Gramma stands close by, fearful of a slip. As I looked up at Maddie, I caught sight of the ripe fruit on almost every branch. Maddie identified them and said they were okay to eat. I had heard of loquat before but never tasted it. I plucked a deep orange one from the branch and felt its tender flesh yield slightly to pressure. The skin slipped off easily. I touched the ripe fruit gingerly with my tongue. The flavor was both tart and sweet. Wikipedia, I later learned, described the flavor as a a mix of peach, citrus and mild mango. I felt like an adventurous explorer discovering a new taste sensation. And to think it grew wild for the taking!
