Auspicious Chinese New Year Food

The Chinese love to eat food that sound like or give the impression of different things.  There is one favorite that I always look forward to, the delicious satsuma orange (also known as a Mekan in Japanese).  This easy to peel citrus has few seeds if any at all and is sweet.  It brings about the idea of prosperity and good fortune both because it is sweet and because of its golden color.  When I lived in Japan I learned about a pre-schooler’s entrance exam involving Mikans.  Getting into the right school is important and competition is fierce.  The test was (which I am proud to share my son passed with flying colors) to peel a Mikan in three equal pieces leaving the skin in tact around the fruit, like a present.  What a lovely thought to enjoy the Mikan like a gift.  Enjoy your year, may it be sweet and prosperous.

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