Cuisine
Sabor a
PANAMÁ con Nance yMamey
por/by: Chef Ricardo Peraza
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Amado u odiado, este fruto de atractivo color amarillo e intenso olor, forma parte del quehacer panameño desde siempre donde es consumido con pasión en forma de bebida o en una interesante preparación que se acompaña con queso fresco y que se conoce como Pesada de Nance, sin embargo se consume en muchas partes de América donde adquiere nombres tan diferentes como Indano, nanchi, nanche, nance blanco, nancite, nancito, chaparro, chaparro de chinche, chaparro de sabana, chaparro peralejo, chaparro manteco, manteco sabanero, manero, crabo, marushi, maricas, maricao cimarrón, cimarrón, peralejo, peralejo blanco, peralija, changugo, tapal, yoco. Hay quien dice que no se es verdaderamente panameño si no se disfruta de este fruto controversial, no estoy totalmente de acuerdo pero lo que no se puede negar es que el nance (Byrsonima crassifolia) identifica a Panamá tanto como la pollera, el tamborito, el arroz con guandú y el canal.
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Love it or hate it, nance (byrsonima crassfolia), with its splendid yellow color and intense aroma, has always been a part of Panama’s essence. It is consumed here with great passion as a drink or in an interesting concoction prepared with fresh cheese which is known locally as “pesada de nance.” Of course, it is also consumed in many other parts of America and recognized by a myriad of names that include nancito, indano, chaparro, marushi, maricas, cimarron , peralejo, changugo, tapal , and yoko. There are those that say if you do not love this odd fruit you cannot be a “real Panamanian”. I am not in total agreement with that philosophy, but it cannot be denied that nance is as closely associated with Panama as the pollera, the tamborito, rice with pigeon peas, and the canal itself. Another local favorite fruit is mamey (pouteria sapota). Unique in appearance and flavor, this succulent fleshy fruit lends itself to exotic creations. I believe that one of the best ways to enjoy it is exactly as Mother Nature offers it … right from the tree.