In June, we received another report from JICA volunteer Mr. Kimura!

Lately, as it’s getting colder, vegetables like sweet potatoes and pumpkins are commonly sold. Fruits such as oranges and strawberries, which are also eaten in Japan during winter, are available. The sweet potatoes in the photo are sold at 10,000 Kwacha per bucket, which is about 800 yen in Japanese currency. They taste just as delicious as those in Japan, bringing back nostalgic flavors.

Unlike Japanese pumpkins, Malawian pumpkins are less sweet but are rich in fiber, making them a staple for Malawian lunches. They are steamed in large pots for a long time, and the flesh is eaten with a spoon. Oranges are also very tasty, sold for about 300 to 500 Kwacha each. While imported goods are available, locally grown vegetables and fruits are plentiful and delicious.

By the way, Mr. Kimura mentioned that despite the cold season, he experienced shaving his head bald! Many Malawian women wear wigs, and looking closely at their hair, you can see tiny curls. They use combs to remove debris from their hair and untangle any knots.