Back in March 2020, the Philippines was put under an enhanced community quarantine to help curb the spread of COVID-19 and keep people safe from the virus that put the entire world at a standstill. While inside their homes, many people were getting antsy, not only because of the impending...
Cucumbers ( Cucumis sativus ), locally known as pipino, is a nutritious vegetable that’s packed with vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, as well as vitamins B and C. It is usually consumed fresh, pickled, and even as a refreshing beverage. Some folks even go beyond consumption cucumbers...
Known as kintsay in the Philippines, celery ( Apium graveolens ) is a vegetable that’s rich in vitamin C for stronger immunity, beta-carotene which promotes better vision, and flavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants. Its crunchy stalks contain not less than 12 additional antioxidants and...
When the weather in the Philippines gets warmer, this signals the start of the dry season and the season for fruits like mango, durian, and rambutan that consumers can enjoy. And while people are looking forward to eating fresh fruits, there has been a message circulating on social media, urging...
Aside from providing plants with their basic requirements of sunlight, water, and air, gardeners can also feed them with fertilizer to promote healthy growth. While some gardeners use store-bought, synthetic inputs, some turn to a more natural approach by making their own natural fertilizers. One...
Our families have a way of influencing different aspects of our lives, whether we like it or not. It manifests in a variety of ways like how we think or act, our preferences, or even in the career path that we choose, so it’s no surprise if those from later generations follow in the footsteps of...
For several years now, the Philippines has been exporting fresh produce to overseas markets that have a high demand for particular fruits and vegetables because it’s a staple in their country’s culture or cuisine. Take, for instance, okra. Many Filipinos enjoy consuming it in several ways...
Whether added into a stir-fry, steamed, or eaten raw with a side of bagoong, okra ( Abelmoschus esculentus ) is popular among Filipinos as a part of a healthy diet since it’s rich in vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants that help reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes, stroke, and heart...
As an archipelago with 7,641 islands, the Philippines is mostly surrounded by water. Those residing in coastal areas make a livelihood from marine fishing. But over the years, there have been concerning issues such as the degradation of marine resources and the need for fisherfolk to be better...
There’s more to farming than providing people with food and other necessities. To some, it’s an efficient way to connect with their roots, especially if farming has been an integral part of their childhood. Joy Tenizo, a former OFW turned housewife, found herself connecting with her Filipino...
As a tropical country, the Philippines only has two types of seasons: wet and dry. Many gardeners take note of these conditions when trying to grow different kinds of plants since they want to ensure the survivability of these plants in Philippine conditions. One favorite among new gardeners...
Many home gardeners have seen the benefits of growing food in their space, especially during a global pandemic where mobility is limited because of quarantine restrictions. They have access to fresh produce, have a productive way to pass the time indoors, and promote food security. But others...