Brian Rogers Rogers Rabbits www.sunlive.co.nz

It's all about food this time of the year, as many readers will be considering some New Year's resolutions, in the aftermath of Christmas and girth over-runs.
Of course the wise folk choose resolutions that are easy to ignore, or build in some exemptions, so that when we undoubtedly fail to follow through, it can all be justified. Just like being in government, but without the stash of other people's money to spend.
It's been a cool time with the family heading into summer, and we've been enjoying some lively conversations with the grandchildren who are growing up faster than granny's broad beans.

One discussion, after yet another hearty lunch, centred on polite eating behaviour in different cultures. Then a Google session to discover the strangest customs and habits from around the world. Starting of course with belching, which is considered polite in China, India and Islamic countries, as a sign that the meal was enjoyed and was plentiful.

It's reported the Saudis let rip after a feed, as a compliment to the chef.
However, it doesn't go down so well around the dinner table at granny's.
One of the youngsters pointed out that Indians eat with their hands because they believe a meal is more than food; it nourishes the mind, intellect and spirit. Eating with your hands apparently, gives you 'connection with the food”. It's considered the least violent way to eat. Clearly they've never seen Uncle Tony attack a hamburger.

Double dipping

Then the subject arose of double dipping, just as the nephews were demolishing a bread selection and heading for the dhukka. It was agreed that double dipping was frowned upon in most cultures, except perhaps at Mayor Brown's parties.
Leaving some tucker on your plate is polite in some countries, signifying you've eaten sufficiently. While in others, such as India, you should clean the plate as grain is so highly valued, not one should be left.

The well-travelled in the family tell me that in some areas of the Middle East, Cambodia and Philippines, it is more polite to leave a little food on your plate. An empty plate might suggest your hosts didn't serve enough, causing insult to them.
Google tells us that in Hong Kong and Japan, loudly slurping your noodles shows your enjoyment, that it is so delicious you cannot even wait until it cools off.
The Germans are precision diners, of course. They use a knife and fork for virtually everything. But with one notable exception. Never cut your potato with a knife, instead use the edge of the fork. Using the knife implies it is not cooked tender enough.

Oral origami

And the French have some odd practices with salads; folding lettuce leaves into a sort of package over your fork. It's believed that cutting bruises the delicate greens.
Chopsticks raise a whole episode of dos and don'ts, which we won't even try to serve justice to today.

And while on the subject of rude food and vulgar veges, here are some of the contributions lately from readers whose Bay of Plenty gardens have developed some very creative produce.


Ross Peers grows weird vegetables. Something to do with the stable manure.

Thanks to our readers, keep your photos coming!

Finally, as the last edition for 2013, we thank our loyal readers and staunch advertisers for your incredible support, feedback and contributions throughout the year. It's been a toughy, with plenty of challenges thrown along the way. We wish you a safe and prosperous New Year and look forward to bringing you more Sun in your life in 2014.

Brian & Claire, and the team.


Rachel Gordon's 'Carrots in love'. She couldn't bear to break them up.

Haemaphrodite lemon, picked by Lois.