Savoring an Unfortunately Named Treat in St. John, US Virgin Islands
Have you ever sucked on a stinking toe? Never mind the ancient petroglyphs and waterfall that await you at the bottom of the Reef Bay trail. And you'll need to tear yourself away from the intriguing history of the sugar mill plantations, and the rainbow fish you will see snorkeling in the bay. Think stinky. Think delicious. The fruit of the West Indian Locust tree is a shiny hard brown seed pod, packed with a malty dry treat inside. If you can get past the odor it releases when you finally crack it open, you will surely savor its sweet, rich flavor. Not only tasty but also highly beneficial for the body, generations have used it to treat headaches and brewed it as a tea for energy and strength. This and many more local medicines flourish in this moist forest.
By Zarah Rose | Photo: Forest & Kim Starr | Feedback