#30 Orange

In the cupboard of my kitchen are several glass jars filled with round shriveled things packed tightly in dark liquid. When opened, it smells of brine and tang, like a concoction you would find in a Chinese apothecary. There's one in particular, that had a yellowed label with my birth date. I am turning 26 years old soon, and the jar has been sitting on that shelf for all of them. Mum jokingly calls it my dowry (嫁妝), saying that the time it has taken to create this jar makes it priceless.

It's an old Chinese recipe, in which kumquats and salt are layered alternatively in a large container, to the brim. The idea is that the salt and the kumquats become a medicinal compote that is good for sore throats and influenza. It is then stored away so it wrinkles and blacken for years — the more the better.

We're currently spooning out of the jar labelled 2000. "Your aunt and I made this on the new year, as a way to welcome the new millenial," she laughed. At least, she tried to. Her voice was cracked and dry. But the jar made on the day I was born still remains sealed and untouched.

So I don't think she's joking at all. In the same way that I'd get a spoonful of preserved kumquat with honey in hot water when I wake up with a sore throat, so will my partner and my children.

*****

I’m going to cheat a little and say that I got inspired to write about kumquats from the prompt “orange.” They’re both (originally) orange in colour!