Center for Duck Studies

 

 

Reading Room

On the significance of oranges and leeks

From the Task Force on Other Ducky Concerns Orthodox Duckists point out that, in spite of the greatness of the Duck, one must never forget the leek... and of course, the orange, the orange, the orange...

But the literature on the subject within Duckism is still lacking. What is the leek, anyway? What is its significance in a duckistrological analysis? And what of the orange? Both are obviously of paramount importance in the development of true Duckiness, for it is only a simplistic, iconic Duckiness which concerns itself exclusively with the animal itself.

The leek, notable among great cooks for being among the most difficult to clean of the strong tasting vegetables, can be put into perspective by comparing it to spinach. Though spinach is not a strong-tasting vegetable, it is even more difficult to clean.

The orange is primarily a problem for the uninitiated because of the peel, which is often thick and difficult to remove fully without damaging the fruit itself. However, one can gradually come to appreciate the orange by moving from the easier-to-peel varieties of oranges, such as satsumas, clementines, mandarins, etc.

The leek would be considered antithetical to spirituality in many spiritual traditions, but one must recognize that Buddhism and many other Indian religious developments sought to conquer the passions, and strong-tasting vegetables like the leek, garlic, onions, etc. are passion-inducing vegetables. Thus, such vegetables, while they may not be appropriate within an ascetic framework, are perfectly acceptable within a spiritual framework that appreciates the passions.

But why the leek, then, and not garlic or onions? Why not horseradish or wasabi? Well, it all goes back to the time when the First and Second Popes were in discussion and began to realize that the leek is a highly underrated passion-inducing vegetable. Whereas the power of garlic and onions are well-known and well-established, it is only recently that the leek has begun to come into its own, at least in western cooking (Please see note).

Since cooking is an inherently spiritual process, it was recognized that a synthesis of this source of passion into western cooking styles was sorely needed. Tomato sauces with leeks, not merely the customary garlic and/or onions, were one of the first steps. Other steps include forays into Asian cooking and the kitchens of the world in which leeks are highly esteemed. One of the Popes is partial to a filling for Chao zu (chinese dumplings) made with leeks, onions, sometimes chives, soy sauce, and some other ingredients.

But the significance of the leek is not limited to cookery. The passion that the leek inspires can be used to promote Duckiness of the Highest Art. The emotional satisfaction that the leek provides is quite profound. The mere memory of the Leek, its mere impression upon the mind, is enough to inspire Duckiness in even those most Distant from the Path.

For these reasons, the leek is certainly worthy of meditation and Ducky Thought(s).

The orange, too, is capable of inspiring the passion, but also itself has a very refreshing nature. In spite of this, the orange can be surprisingly addictive. For this reason, the Popes recommend having at least double the amount on hand as you expect to consume before the next trip to the grocery or your local source of oranges. This is especially the case with the smaller varieties of oranges, whose size makes them ideal snack foods, but which also present the psychological problem of seeming insignificant, resulting in more rapid rates of consumption.

The orange may not inspire passion in everybody, but for such individuals, other fresh citrus fruits can be recommended. Actually, passion is not a condition of Duckiness, but it certainly makes for a more thorough Duckiness than a Duckiness without passion. So, for those to whom passion is not the central part of Duckiness, a "mere reflection" on the orange may be sufficient. The sight of a ripe orange can be inspirational enough to make the difference between a slightly-Ducky day and a fully-Ducky one. In conclusion, we recommend for all persons on the path toward Duckiness (and indeed for the Fully-Ducky-Ones) further metaphysical explorations in the world of the leek and of the orange. You will certainly not be harmed (please see note), and your Duck-consciousness can see many rewards. May the Duck be with you.


Notes:

Western cooking: Please note that this was the result of an experiential analysis and not of an empirical one; of course the leek has had significance in many western countries for some time, now, including Mexico; in any case, the famous "cream of leek" soup is decidedly western. But in general the leek was recognized by the Popes as generally underrated, both in adaptability to other dishes as in the variety of culinary possibilities it offers.

cannot be harmed: For those few people who might be allergic to leeks or oranges, we recommended visualizing and abstract meditation instead of consumption.

 
 
Index to
Jason's
other Pages:
Current Projects
about:Jason : Home Page
Jason Truesdell's Blog : Pursuing My Passions
Online Resume : History
YuzuMura.com : Online Store
YuzuTrade.com : Wholesale Business
MoriAwase.com : Community
jagaimo.com : Personal Pages
 
Other Projects
tech.job.search
Jason's Bistro : Food
Public Service Webspace
The Progress Pages
The Literary Department
Send Feedback