North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

["Alan Haigh" <alandhaigh@gmail.com>]

It really is refreshing to have something to argue about that doesn't involve politics right now.  Where else could one experience passionate debate about an obscure fruit most Americans have never even heard about?

 

I have noticed that some of the arguments we have are the result of not carefully reading the postings or giving another member the benefit of the doubt when they haven't been absolutely precise with wording.  For me I like the fact that I don't have to be as careful here with every statement as would be necessary in a professional consultation.  

 

While talking about my experience with autumn olive I mistakenly referred to the pecan shell quality of my autumn olives as being the result of alum but I also referred to pecan shells which should have been enough to convey my meaning, I think.  I also said that the reason for the astringency was very possibly the result of my more northern location than Hector's.  Some of the subsequent postings seem to have missed these 2 important (well, not actually important) points.

 

I have seen statements made by others similarly misinterpreted such as the idea that anyone would consider pealing autumn olives before eating them as an intelligent way to make use of their fruit.

 

What I'm trying to say is that before arguing a point made by another member, it would be useful if we all read the posting very carefully to make sure we understand what that member is actually saying.