….there is a season for oranges that the busy residents of Apia are pleasantly reminded when they turn up at the Fugalei produce market to be greeted by scenes like this.
But for many of the sellers, getting to the market is a long, tiring trip especially when you are from the western end of Savai’i at the itu-Asau area – orange country.
In the old days, it meant loading your sacks of oranges onto the bus, boat and bus again before the market – finally
Much easier today when it’s just a matter of loading up the family truck or hire a village family car and off you go.
First the long drive to Saleloloa wharf and onto the boat for Mulifanua and then drive the rest of the way into Apia and the market of course without having to cart them on and off the bus and boat.
It’s a challenge coming that far but the sweet rewards are the Apia citizens do go for the Savaii oranges with the two main varieties ‘moli Samoa’ and ‘moli Saiga’.
It may sound like a promotion of Savaii oranges but why not. Sweeter.
Not orange season yet folks and if you’re wondering when that will be, no worries. The market stalls will be flooded when it is time.