Many Filipinos have been engaging in mushroom farming since the 19th century. The number of mushroom farmers has recently increased as more people have realized its income-generating potential. In the Philippines, there are ten varieties of edible mushrooms, namely: paddy straw, oyster, shiitake,...
Street vendors offer a wide array of snacks that range from sweet to savory. Among the items that they sell are small boiled eggs that Filipinos know as itlog ng pugo (quail eggs). These bite-sized eggs come from quails which are small or medium-sized domestic game birds. These birds have...
Throughout the world, coffee has become a widely consumed beverage. Its industry is worth billions because coffee is a highly demanded commodity enjoyed by many in different ways. Farmers and entrepreneurs everywhere are recognizing how profitable coffee production is which is why they...
Coffee has become a staple beverage in people’s lives since it gives them the ample boost of energy that they need to accomplish their tasks for the day. The variety of flavors and aromas that come from different kinds of coffee also satisfy coffee enthusiasts and foodies everywhere. But...
One common ingredient in Filipino favorites such as tinola and lugaw is ginger ( Zingiber officinale ), locally known as luya. The plant is widely cultivated for its fragrant roots that add a sweet and peppery taste to any dish. It is also recognized for its various health benefits because...
Water spinach or kangkong is a fast-growing crop that is abundant with vitamins and minerals. This can grow well in soil with pH values from 5.3 to 8.5. This veggie has two varieties: the upland ( Ipomoea reptans ) and aquatic ( Ipomoea aquatica ) types. The former is adaptable to any growing...
Sitaw (Vigna unguiculata ssp. sesquipedalis) is a high-value crop that can be produced within 50 to 65 days. This widely grown veggie is a popular ingredient in local dishes like adobong sitaw, pinakbet, and kare-kare. It is full of vitamins K and C, folic acid, protein, niacin, and more. It...
Mustard ( Brassica juncea ), locally known as mustasa in Filipino, is a common leaf vegetable that’s used in recipes such as ensaladas, stir-fries, and even in pickles or buros. Its leaves are rich in vitamins K and A, calcium, iron, and phosphorus. It is ideally grown between September to...
Home gardens are a good way to boost household food security and nutrition. Growers don’t have to wait for a long time before they can enjoy bountiful harvests because there are plenty of crops that can be produced in just a month. Take, for example, pechay ( Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis )....
As the staple ingredient of various kinds of salads, soups, sandwiches, and wraps, lettuce has become a go-to dish for people who are looking to lead a healthy lifestyle or just want to get their fill of leafy greens for the day. Lettuce ( Lactuca sativa ), locally known as letsugas, is an...
Long chili ( Capsicum annuum ), also referred to as siling haba or siling panigang, is extensively grown in the Philippines. It is rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, folic acid, and fiber. This crop is suitable to grow in sandy loam or clay loam soil with pH levels 5.5 to 6.8. Photo from...
Another vegetable that is widely consumed by Filipinos is kalabasa or squash ( Cucurbita maxima ). It contains vitamins and minerals that the body needs such as vitamins A, C, B1, B6, and B3, as well as potassium. It also has beta carotene that serves as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. ...
