In the realm of green, an unlikely pair finds common ground: the humble French fry and the ancient art of bonsai. At first glance, these two subjects seem worlds apart—one a fast food staple, the other a symbol of patience and contemplation. Yet, when we look closer, we find that green binds them unexpectedly, telling a story of nature, nurture, and the human experience.
Let's start with the french fry. Before it becomes the golden, crispy delight we know, it begins as a potato—a tuber nestled in the dark, loamy earth. The potato plant above ground is a testament to the colour green, with leaves reaching towards the sun, converting light into energy through the miracle of photosynthesis. This green life force allows the potato to grow and develop underground, storing energy that will one day fuel millions of hungry patrons.
But the story of the french fry doesn't end when it's plucked from the soil. In recent years, there's been a growing trend towards "green" practices in fast food. Some restaurants now use plant-based oils for frying, reducing their carbon footprint. Others have experimented with green packaging, swapping traditional paper and plastic for biodegradable alternatives. Even the humble fry itself is getting a green makeover, with some establishments offering "green fries"—made from avocados, zucchini, or even seaweed.
Now, let's turn our attention to the bonsai. These miniature trees are the epitome of green artistry, their carefully pruned leaves are a canvas for human creativity. The practice of bonsai is inherently green, not just in colour but in philosophy. It teaches us to appreciate nature's slow, deliberate pace, find beauty in imperfection, and cultivate patience along with our plants.
The green of a bonsai is a living green, changing with the seasons. In spring, new leaves burst forth in vibrant lime hues. Summer brings a deep, mature green, while autumn paints the leaves in shades of olive before they fall. Even in winter, many bonsai retain their green needles or leaves, a reminder of life's persistence.
But the green of bonsai goes beyond the visible. It represents a green state of mind—one of calmness, focus, and harmony with nature. In a world that often feels chaotic and disconnected, the practice of bonsai offers a green oasis of tranquillity.
Surprisingly, our french fry and bonsai share more than just their connection to green. Both require skilled hands to reach their full potential. A chef must carefully cut and fry potatoes to achieve the perfect crisp, just as a bonsai artist must prune and shape with precision. Both demand attention to detail, an understanding of timing, and a respect for the raw material.
Moreover, both fries and bonsai serve as cultural ambassadors. French fries, despite their name, have become a global phenomenon, adapted and embraced by cultures worldwide. Bonsai, originating in China and perfected in Japan, has likewise spread across the globe, with enthusiasts from all walks of life finding joy in this green art form.
In the end, the colour green in both fries and bonsai reminds us of our connection to the earth. Whether we're savouring a quick snack or contemplating a centuries-old tree in miniature, we're partaking in the green cycle of life. The chlorophyll that colours the potato plant and the bonsai leaf is the same pigment that drives life on our planet, turning sunlight into the energy that sustains us all.
So the next time you bite into a french fry or gaze upon a bonsai, take a moment to appreciate the green journey that brought them to you. In these small, everyday encounters with green, we find a profound connection to the world around us—a reminder that we, too, are part of this vast, verdant tapestry of life.
“This post is taking part in the t2 x Bonsai x Stack writing challenge”
- By m0nk
