What is yellow, resembles the crescent moon, has seeds, and is rich in various vitamins and minerals? The banana! This delectable and filling fruit is a staple in almost every home because of its versatility, distinct yet subtle flavor, and nutritional benefits. There are numerous varieties...
Here is a list of crops that you can plant for the month of May and June. Lettuce ( Lactuca sativa ) Lettuce is a high value crop that is mainly cultivated for its leafy parts. This is the main ingredient in salads and can be consumed either raw or cooked. There are numerous lettuce...
Chocolates are loved by people all over the world. Who wouldn’t love this delectable treat? It’s sweet, rich, and can be used in many dessert recipes. But what makes the chocolate taste so good? The answer is in the fermenting microbes in them. Cacao fermentation is a multi-step process....
Throughout Philippine culture, coconuts or buko are a large part of our cuisine. This is because its fruits are a versatile ingredient to work with. Its subtle yet distinct flavor can also elevate almost any dish, whether it’s sweet or savory. Plus, the fruits contain both meat and juice...
There are over 400 different types of cabbages available around the world, each with a distinct set of characteristics. Among these varieties is the bok choy or Chinese cabbage. It was once limited to Chinese restaurants and meals but nowadays, it’s enjoyed by people everywhere and can even be...
The Filipino folk song “Bahay Kubo” talks of various vegetables that can be grown in a home setting. Among the vegetables mentioned is the sigarilyas or winged bean ( Psophocarpus tetragonolubos ), also known as goa bean or princess bean in other countries. Sigarilyas is popular among...
The tomato plant has an interesting history. Native to South America, the tomato was initially thought to be poisonous in the United States for many years, which is why it was only grown as an ornamental. Eventually, the perception of tomatoes changed, making it a popular fruit globally, even...
A common crop that home gardeners like to grow is the tomato. Some reasons behind this are because tomatoes are easy to grow and are versatile fruits that can be added to almost any dish. They can also be eaten raw or made into condiments. Gwen Librodo, a legal document automation specialist,...
Before the rise of modern medicine, people used traditional medicine to treat common ailments or administer first-aid. Plants are among the widely used ingredients in such treatments. In the Philippines, there are a plethora of medicinal plants that can even grow in one’s backyard for their...
Among the many fruits that grow in the Philippines, a favorite of many is the guava ( Psidium guajava Linn. ), locally known as bayabas. It is known for its sweet exotic flavor when ripe as well as the various health benefits of its leaves. Its tree is indigenous to American tropics, which is...
Throughout the Philippines, some crops are indigenous to particular areas. These crops have become a part of the culture in the places that they’re mostly found in. For instance, the himbabao is a unique-looking vegetable that commonly grows in northern Luzon, making it a favorite...
The Philippines is fortunate to have rich soil and some hectares of forest that are home to several indigenous species of flora and fauna. Among these species are fruits and vegetables that have become part of the culture of several areas in the country since these have become part of their diet or...
