Perhaps the first association which comes to mind when thinking of Cyprus produce is Cyprus potatoes. However, Cyprus also produces a large range of fruit including lemons, oranges, grapefruit, limes, apples, mandarins, apricots, cherries, nectarines, plums, pomegranates, bananas, pears, figs, strawberries, peaches, kiwi, watermelons, sweet melons, and grapes.
My top five are:
No. 1 Watermelon. So refreshing on a hot day and usually served with halloumi cheese. Some can weigh up to 10kgs!
No. 2 Peaches. Cyprus peaches are the best I have ever tasted!
No. 3 Figs. Green figs normally appear first and are followed by dark purple ones. Dried figs are also available at the end of summer.
No. 4 Grapes. The island grows varieties only found here (Xynisteri, Spurtico Maratheftiko, Ophthalmo) as well as other types found internationally including Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
No. 5 Pomegranates. The season begins in October and provides a wonderful opportunity to make pomegranate juice or add the pips to salads and desserts.
In the Bible we read of another fruit: the "fruit of the Spirit" and it has nine segments.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22
Christians who are controlled by the Holy Spirit should be characterized by these qualities. Just as the fruit of Cyprus is attractive to look at and delightful to the palate, so should these attributes in our lives inspire others to receive the Spirit and be changed from the inside.