⌛ Fixed for life

One of the frustrations of life in the Philippines is not being able to find the simple things with which one can absolutely NOT do without. Equally, one of the joys of life here is either discovering solutions or alternatives to that which is needed.

Last week, on a periodic shopping trip with Anne to Cebu, I did my usual tour of the "foreigner food" section of my favourite supermarket in the Ayala center. I could find nothing I needed. Discouraged, I checked again for the items which I would need to purchase at a future date and see if prices had improved. They had not. Dejected, I started to leave.

Then I saw it! Omigawd! A kilogram package of:

!! DILL !!

For those of you who have not found yours, dill weed is a rarity here. When , if you do find it - it costs an arm and a leg. I had just priced it in the spices aisle. The least expensive offering was 186 pesos for 10 grams.

Here was a lifetime supply: a one kilogram bag. At 1771 pesos it was a major investment. I could just see the children laugh when Uncle David returned once again with one of his unusual "finds". I thought about it. I'm here for life. This purchase proves it. I will never need a postal re-supply from Canada - ever! My amused friends there will laugh equally loud to learn that I dug deep and bought the kilo.

That said, I am willing to share my joy. I sheepishly feel like a virgin drug dealer, making his first offering. Here goes.

I'm prepared to let some of my horde go, at say 100 pesos for an ounce (30 grams if you are si inclined). E-mail or PM me if you are interested. I would also consider a swap for whatever you may have in surplus.

Rhoody to note. The idea of FOOD as a social group is a bust. I joined and tried to post the foregoing as my initial offering. For some reason there is a 1000 character limit to posts there. Not so here. I believe that the earlier suggestion of a new section on FOOD is still in order, non?

 

At Hypermart last May, they were selling fresh basil, rosemary and I think thyme for about P20.00 per vacuumed pack. It was in the refrigerated section (where you get the butter). My guests from Manila were so impressed we were getting it at those prices. I was just amazed. Anyway, we got a few packs, thinking it was going to be regular thing. No such luck. I suppose I just had a taste of the elusive Narnia through the wardrobe that is Hypermart's refreshment area.

 

Thanks for that, sillimanian. I too have noticed the occasional fresh herb at Hypermart. My best source before the Cebu "miracle" was a lady produce & herb grower from Valencia who sells at the market in Dumaguete's north end near the Hall of Justice. She has (had) dill plants but I was consuming faster than six of them were producing and they expired.

 

hi

my son comes on july 25 from europe
let me know what you need on herbals
guenther

 

You're welcome davfitz. You may also want to try Teri Windler, she grows (and occasionally sells) her own herbs. I used to buy potted mint from her. She lives in Bagacay, near the Banica river, her number is 225-7050.

 

adjusted to 10K

 

GR8, Rhoody. Thanks.

 

Herbs

Hi, I did not realized herbs were quiet so difficult to get to in Duma......
We are talking about fresh herbs I would imagine.
It's a while I'm considering smuggling some herb plants into the Phils.
Last time I brought some seeds but to no avail, also because I did not stay long enough to norture them.
Just wondering if the hot and humid climate would allow any plant growth.
I had in mind rosemary, oregano, thyme....

 

DavFitz, you are into herb hunting :D glad that you got that badly needed Dill give yourself a time you will discovered that just around you what you needed just pay attention the tiny details. It even be growing beside the banana tree, only pilipino are used of using them. Oregano, locals used it to cure fever or something like a herbal medicine .