As a Chinese cook, I am constantly inspired by the memories of my childhood and the simple joys that came with it. The discovery of Diguo (Ficus tikoua var.) as a child was truly a magical experience, and it is something that I still hold dear as an adult.
In a time when snacks were scarce, Diguo was a precious wild fruit that brought so much delight. The sweet, fragrant flesh of the fruit, with its thin and almost invisible skin, made each bite a moment of pure bliss. The joy of coming home from school and searching for Diguo still warms my heart to this day.
It saddens me that children nowadays hardly recognize this wild fruit, and the tradition of venturing into the mountains to search for it has faded away. But for me, the nostalgia of those childhood days is alive and well. I recently gathered a basket full of Diguo and created some delicious dishes that brought back a flood of memories.
If I could go back in time, I would tell my younger self that dreams are simple and attainable, and that happiness and health are all we truly need. As I continue to share my Yunnan-styled food and life in my videos, I hope to inspire others to cherish the simple pleasures and flavors that bring us joy.
So let us remember the sweetness of Diguo, both in taste and in memory, and let us savor each moment of happiness and contentment that comes our way. In a world filled with distractions and complexities, may we always find solace in the simple wonders that surround us.
Watch the video by 滇西小哥 Dianxi Xiaoge
Video “Finding Diguo (Ficus tikoua var.) as a child was an amazing thing, and it still is as an adult!” was uploaded on 10/09/2024 to Youtube Channel 滇西小哥 Dianxi Xiaoge