From Mango-Grams to Melon-Grams: Share the Joy of Organic This Fall
Well, it's that time again - organic Keitt mango season!
If you are a regular reader of my column, you may recall me talking poetically about all the reasons I love these delicious autumn beauties in the past. If you're not, then check out Marvelous Mangos here on my blog page.
In my column, I talked about sending out “mango-grams” to friends who did not have access to Keitt mangoes, and how I would receive notes back saying, “What a delightful surprise!” or how they “couldn't believe how amazing the mango was!” Mostly, they were thrilled with the idea of receiving a treat like this in the mail.
I bring this up because I was on the phone with my friend Brenna Davis, author of Leading through Fire recently and just before we got off the call, I asked what she was eating that made her think “WOW!” or made her tastebuds sing. Her response was instant: “Mark, I’m eating dry farmed melons, and they are sooooo sweet and rich in their flavor - I can't get enough of them!”
I mentioned enjoying blackberries from the bushes on my property, organic orange honeydew, and end-of-the-season yellow peaches. I left for a trip to work with a client in Indiana, and when I came back last week, I was the recipient of a melon-gram! Brenna hand-picked 3 end-of-summer varieties, carefully packed them in a box, and sent me a taste of Oregon dry-farmed melons. Opening the box, the smell was intoxicating. Now it was my turn to exclaim, “what a delightful surprise” and how I “couldn't believe how amazing the melons were!” So now I know it is just as fun to receive a produce-gram as it is to send them!
Intrigued at the idea? October is a perfect month to send a friend, family member or even a work colleague a produce-gram. Domestic organic pears are in abundance and come in all shapes, sizes, colors, textures and flavors. Organic apples fall into the same category as pears when it comes to the myriads of varieties available, too! It’s an especially good time to share short-season apples that may not be prevalent in the area where your friend, family member, or colleague lives.
Or maybe it's a favorite organic winter squash that they may not have tried - can you imagine receiving an organic Black Futsu squash, Blue Hubbard, or buttercup squash just because someone across town or across the country thought of you? A produce-gram with a handwritten note could be just the thing someone needs right now. It sure made my week!
If you aren't in a position to pick out, purchase, pack and ship a produce-gram on your own, consider sending a Melissa's Deluxe Organic Gift Box; I guarantee it will bring a smile with each and every bite.
Now that's the perfect way to fall into the beginning of autumn!
