Many Filipinos are familiar with pandan ( Pandanus tectorius ) because it’s a key ingredient in a popular local dessert known as buko pandan. Pandan is also used in savory dishes as a garnish because it adds an alluring aroma. Some even add it to their rice to make it more aromatic and taste...
Herbs are globally popular because of their aroma and how they add flavor to nearly any dish. Among them is the curry leaf tree, an aromatic tropical tree with a strong scent whose fresh and dried leaves are used in cooking soups, stews, and meat dishes. Aside from being cultivated as an...
Weeds are often perceived as undesirable plants in the fields, lawns, or gardens, but there are non-invasive, edible weeds that are more than what meets the eye. Take, for instance, sapsapon ( Crassocephalum crepidioides ) or redflower ragleaf, an annual herb that is not always seen as a hindrance,...
As a direct descendant of the first inhabitants of Abra in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Charles B. Herrero has always appreciated the beauty of his hometown. Whenever he visits, he thoroughly enjoys the abundance of trees, cool climate, fresh air, and captivating scenery. He also...
People have a negative perspective on weeds because these take up space in a garden or farm and compete with plants for nutrients. Farmers and gardeners usually uproot weeds to keep plants healthy and their area tidy. But Flor Tarriela, the chairwoman of Philippine National Bank (PNB) and owner of...
Vice President and presidential aspirant Leni Robredo on Monday, Nov. 29, said the country’s farmers must focus on agricultural products that have more demand and market to improve their livelihood and living conditions. Vice President Leni Robredo (OVP) Speaking during the Agri 2022 Online...
Here are crops to look out for this November and December. Mung bean (Vigna radiata) Mung bean, also referred to as munggo or monggo, is a legume that’s largely cultivated in Asia. It is considered one of the cheapest protein sources. Aside from plant protein, it is also rich in minerals like...
Strawberries are known for their vivid red color that represents how healthy and juicy these fruits are. But strawberries are not always red. Some species produce either the vibrant red fruits that people know and love or a ghostly white counterpart. Two such strawberry species are Fragaria...
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,...
Two gardeners in New Zealand unearthed a large discovery after weeding their garden. Colin and Donna Craig-Brown were surprised to find a potato that weighs a remarkable 7.9 kilograms, equal to a couple of sacks of regular-sized potatoes or one small dog. Doug the potato (Photo from Donna...
Linda Compton is a gardener from Claremore, Oklahoma, who’s seeking recognition from the Guinness World Records for her okra plant that’s more than 13-feet tall. Photo by Amber Malquist from Unsplash The okra plant came as a surprise. Compton shared that the okra plant came from normal...
Photos courtesy of Glindo Pilo Mira Across the globe, peppers are well-loved because of the heat they pack. This heat also comes in different intensities that allow people to enjoy a certain level of spice that brings a depth of flavor to meals. With the rising demand for peppers among...
