Here’s a really bad video of our bees flying like crazy this afternoon. Fully unedited, featuring wind noise, shaky cam, and awkward zooming!

Maypops! Who knew?

Chris showing us the fruit inside the maypop

This weekend I was introduced to a new fruit. If I were in another country I may not be surprised by it, but I was all of 45 minutes from my house when Chris Bennett showed us the Maypop. How have I never seen this? It’s native to my region and there’s a RIVER named after it (Ocoee River—apparently the Cherokee called the passionflower/maypop Ocoee).

It pops when you crack it open, and the seeds inside are covered by a half-gross, half-gummibear goop that tastes like a grape and a banana and at least two other flavors I can’t place. And, as you slowly work the seed out, it takes on a slight bitter taste at the end. Such a delight.

I need to spend more time outside!

Original Article