The first time I saw Brazilian chicken was when I was in preparatory school for university. Among all the fresh groceries and interesting foods, a neatly packed chicken with the label "Product of Brazil" caught my eye. It wasn’t just the bold letters that stood out—it was the thought of trying something from a faraway place, so different from Japan. I did wonder if foreign food would be safe to eat, but the cheap price convinced me to give it a try. That evening, I roasted the chicken simply, and the warm, delicious smell filled my small kitchen.  

After that, Brazilian chicken became a regular part of my meals. It was easy to cook and reminded me of the times I shared food with friends, tried new recipes, and felt comfort knowing I always had something tasty to prepare. I would marinate it with spices, grill it for salads, or use it in soups. Each dish brought back happy memories—friends laughing, dishes clinking, and the cozy feeling of being surrounded by people I care about.  This also made me remind of my parents cooking dinner for me when I was little too.

Even though I enjoy using Brazilian chicken in my cooking, throwing away its packaging makes me think. The plastic trays and wrapping feel like a small harm to the environment I want to protect. It reminds me of the balance I need between convenience and being careful with waste.  

Looking back, this waste shows a lot about how I live. It reflects my connection to foods from around the world and my love for quick and flexible meals. But it also reveals the struggle to live responsibly while still enjoying the ease of modern life. Every empty package tells a story—not just of good meals but of my effort to live thoughtfully. Brazilian chicken, for me, is both a joy and a reminder to do better.