"This is soursop, my dear! A true guajira gets excited when she sees a jar of this fruit," Ary, a Cuban in Houston, exclaimed upon finding soursop pulp at a local market. The discovery, which took place at Joev’s market in the Katy area, left her delighted, to the extent that she made a video to share her excitement and reminisce about how to prepare the classic Cuban champola.
Ary, known on TikTok as @rieteconary, shared that a liter of the pulp cost $11.97 and that there were other options like passion fruit, mango with chamoy, and black vanilla, though for her, nothing compared. “You add milk, water, ice… and you make a kind of smoothie. Or a champola, do you remember champola?” she said, with the enthusiasm of someone who has just revived a taste from their childhood.
The video quickly sparked reactions among its followers, who not only highlighted the discovery but also shared similar memories or requested the exact address of the store located at 4107 N Fry Rd, Katy 77449. “Oh, I'm going tomorrow since I have the day off, and I'm hitting the same market,” one person commented, while another added, “They have them at Fiesta too, but this is something else.”
Ary's enthusiasm not only evoked the nostalgia of childhood flavors but also sparked the curiosity of those seeking these types of products abroad.
Frequently asked questions about Cubans abroad and the nostalgia for the flavors of their homeland
What is Cuban champola and how is it made?
Cuban champola is a delicious drink made from guanábana pulp. To prepare it, the guanábana pulp is blended with milk, water, and ice, resulting in a refreshing and flavorful shake. This beverage is fondly remembered by Cubans nostalgic for the tastes of their childhood.
Where can Cuban products be found in Houston?
In Houston, Cubans can find products from their homeland in specialty stores, such as Joev’s Market, located at 4107 N Fry Rd, Katy 77449. These types of stores offer a variety of products that evoke nostalgia and bring back the flavors of Cuba.
Why do Cuban products evoke such strong emotions among emigrants?
For Cubans living abroad, finding products from their homeland means reconnecting with their roots and reviving childhood memories. These products are not only a link to their culture but also evoke emotions tied to happy moments experienced in Cuba.
What other typical Cuban products can be found in stores outside of Cuba?
In addition to soursop, specialized stores outside of Cuba offer other typical products such as merenguitos, gaceñiga, Cuban wafers, and beverages like Bucanero malt. These products are highly valued by Cubans abroad for their ability to evoke memories and flavors from their homeland.
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