One of the biggest treats about being Portuguese was discovering Maracuja when I was 8.
It literally means Passionfruit, and here it is essentially indicates a flavor of soda.
Yes. Passionfruit. Soda.
I might have tasted it before my trip to Portugal, but during and forever after, I knew how to ask for it. "Maracuja" gets you Passionfruit, but sometimes just the JUICE, so kids, be sure to ask for it by name; "Sumol", which is the company that bottles it. It's their most popular flavor, but if they run out, ask for "Ananas" which, no is NOT Banana flavor. It's Pineapple. And seems SUPER sweet to my tastebuds, which is why it appeals to kids.
Only lately have I noticed that there is a Coke vs Pepsi fight. But here the underdog is KIMA. It's the brand manufactured (?) preferred and lauded over instead of Sumol in the Azores. There might be a Brazilian angle here (as there are with lots of "Portuguese" Imported Food, but in MA and RI, I can still only see Sumol being offered. Those of us who know still ask for Kima with a tear of Saudade in our eyes.
It's a way to indicate loyalty and to express affiliation through your purchasing power. Choose Kima. Be an insider.
Kima and Laranjada and simple the BEST! :)
ReplyDeleteI love Kima. Where can I buy it in MA & RI?
ReplyDeleteYou can find it in the best Portuguese stores, in Cambridge or Fall River or New Bedford, MA or around Providence, RI.
DeleteJust returned from my first visit to the Azores and quickly became obsessed. I'm going through withdrawal now! I'll be searching for it in South Florida now!
ReplyDelete