Spinach is one popular vegetable that people love eating in salads, stews, and more. The vegetables are also well-loved because of their versatility, which is evident in the different species that they come in. A similar vegetable with the same versatility is the Malabar spinach ( Basella...
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...
As the famous song goes, “it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.” Society is slowly preparing for the long-awaited holiday by putting up season-appropriate decorations, planning the Christmas Eve dinner, and gift-giving. Many people take gifting very seriously, sparing no expense and...
There are several words that people use to describe flowers. Some of these include colorful, fragrant, and beautiful. Many gardeners and passers-by enjoy seeing flowers because of the splash of vibrance and nature that they bring to any space. But there is more to flowers than what meets the eye,...
There’s quite nothing like Christmas in the Philippines, with decorations and melodies starting as early as September, and the resilient holiday spirit that cannot be dampened by a global pandemic. Now more than ever, the Filipinos’ generosity has never shone so brightly, with a dedication to...
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,...
Having good soil, a strategic plan, and the right people are some of the crucial factors that must be in sync for farm operations to run smoothly, especially during times of difficulty. Bryan John Dizon, 38, the owner of Javenri Harvest Farm, is one person who can attest to this. Dizon...
These products definitely won't burn a hole in your pocket If you've been to any IKEA store, you know it's hard not to go out empty-handed. Well, if you're on a tight budget but still want to shop at the biggest IKEA store in the world—you can! They have a section called "Every product under...
Rambutan ( Nephelium lappaceum ) is a fruit that tastes and looks similar to a lychee ( Litchi chinensis ). Its name comes from the Malay word rambut, which means hairy, which pretty much explains its unique, bushy appearance. This fruit is rich in iron, vitamin C, copper, and antioxidants....
Sunlight is one requirement that plants need to grow healthy. Some gardeners consider where the sunlight falls in their space before starting a vegetable garden. This process sun mapping, a permaculture practice that helps people determine where the sun falls in their area throughout the year. ...
Living in the city has numerous benefits. Among these are access to modern transportation, job opportunities, government agencies, and high-end hospitals. But these advantages also come with a downside. Cities are known for being polluted and crowded, thus affecting the health of their...