The Malaysian population has one eating habit that makes them stand out when
compared to other countries. The habit marks the celebration of Mother Nature's
blessing on the country. This is the habit of eating fruits after lunch. In
fact, some Malaysians have just fruit for lunch.
Malaysia has a rich variety of indigenous fruits. In many parts of the world
apples and oranges make the most popular of fruits. In Malaysia, fruits such as
rambutan, durian, duku, mata kucing, chempedak,
mangosteen and langsat push internationally popular and familiar
fruits like the orange, apple and grape to second choice. That many of these
fruits carry names in the local language speaks for the indigenous nature of the
fruits. Tropical fruits such as banana, papaya, mango, jackfruit and pineapple
too are pretty popular.Nutrients in fruit are vital for health and the
maintenance of the body. The potassium in fruit is known to reduce the risk of
heart disease and stroke. It also reduces the risk of developing kidney stones
and reduces bone loss as the body ages. Folate (folic acid) is important in the
formation of red blood cells. Women of childbearing age and those in the first
trimester of pregnancy need adequate folate.
A diet rich in fruit reduces risks of stroke, cardiovascular diseases and type-2
diabetes. A diet rich in fruit also protects against some forms of cancer. There
are compounds called phytonutrients that occur only in plants. These compounds
are associated with a wide range of potential health benefits. Phytonutrients
work synergistically with the vitamins, minerals and fibre in fruits to reduce
disease risk.
Even without the health considerations, the rich variety of Malaysian fruits get
their loyal consumers just for the way they taste. A unique feature of the way
fruit is served and eaten in Malaysia is that they are sliced and served in
ideally shaped plastic wraps. Papayas are cut along the length of the fruit to
affordable slice sizes that easily fit into the mouth. The long plastic wrap
means that the fruit is eaten even without touching it. Gloved fruit sellers
cutting up fruits into affordable sizes is a common sight at fruit stalls. The
absence of ants, cockroaches at these regular stalls speak for the cleanliness
adhered to.
Among the local fruits, the durian is called King. The durian is both loved and
hated. This must come from the exceptionally strong aroma that the fruit has. In
fact, a single fruit in a 500-room hotel with centralised air-conditioning is
enough to make the whole hotel smell of durian. For this reason, it is banned in
hotels and public transport. There is also a comical reason to call the durian
the King of Fruits. Even the most elegantly dressed lover of the durians will
not think twice about squatting on the roadside and submitting to the delicious,
"smelly" flesh of the durian. Before the powerful Durian King, all subjects bow
down in mouth-drooling submission.
In every formal function, it is customary to have a meal. In every such meal, be
it buffet or served, there will be a healthy range of fruits served. Malaysian
meals are invariably finished with some fruit. |
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Answer the following questions using complete
sentences |
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1. |
From paragraph 1, what is the
Malaysian habit that is hardly seen elsewhere. |
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2. |
(a) From paragraph 2, name
any two local fruits.
(b) In your own words,
explain how the durian might have got its name. |
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3. |
(a) From paragraph 3, what is the
benefit of potassium for the body ?
(b) Mention two benefits of the way
fruit is sold in fruit stalls. |
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4. |
In your own words, mention at
least two benefits of cut fruits. |
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5. |
In your own words, state your
favourite fruit. Mention two things about it. |
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6. |
Based on the passage, write a
summary of :
• Malaysian fruits
• How they render the country
truly a gift from nature. |
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| Answers |
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1. |
It is the habit of Malaysians to consume fruits after lunch. |
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2. |
(a) Rambutan and
durian. ( Any suitable answer )
(b) The malay word for thorn
is duri. The durian is covered with thorns. It is probable that durian
is called so because of the fruit being completely covered with big
thorns. ( Any suitable answer ) |
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3. |
(a) Potassium reduces the
risk of heart disease and stroke. It also reduces the risk of developing
kidney stones and reduces bone loss as the body ages
(b)
(i) Fruits are cut to
affordable slices.
(ii) They are wrapped is such
a way that it is very convenient to eat them. |
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4. |
We get to eat a variety of
fruits without having to buy whole fruits. |
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5. |
My favourite fruit is the
mango. There are hundreds of varieties of mango. I love the taste and
have my own way of eating them. I cut the two sides into slabs. Then I
use a spoon to scoop up the tasty flesh and eat them. For the remaining
part, I bit away the skin and eat the rest straight off the seed. |
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6. |
The large variety of
delectable local fruits available in Malaysia truly reflects an
invaluable gift from Mother Nature. In many countries people get to eat
mostly imported fruits. Often the price is prohibitive. In Malaysia,
there is unique solution to this. fruits are cut into fair portions and
sold by the pieces. Two benefits from this are that the fruits become
affordable and the need to buy whole fruits is overcome. The prices of
such cut fruits are so cheap that people are able to have a variety of
fruit after lunch. Many of the local fruits are seasonal. this brings in
a celebratory experience when these fruits are in season. Rambutans,
durians, langsat, duku, chempedak and
mangosteens typically make life a sweet celebration. This is further
embellished by papayas, jackfruit, mangoes and bananas. |
