We’re at the end of white sapote season here in southern Ecuador. The last of the many fruits I’ve purchased at the local organic market since October has been ripening on the counter for some weeks now, and will be savored when it turns soft. White sapote is one of my favorites and enjoying the […]
White Sapote (Casimiroa edulis) Read More »
In the five years I’ve been keeping rabbits, I’ve seen a variety of health complications arise, but certainly the most common issue I’ve dealt with is rabbit mites, also known as sarcoptic mange, or Sarcoptes scabiei var. cuniculi. Sarcoptes scabiei is a mite that burrows deep into the epidermis of its host causing severe itching,
Treating Mite (Sarcoptes scabiei) Infestations in Rabbits Read More »
Capsicum pubescens is commonly known as rocoto, tree chile, or ají (a less specific name that is used to refer to many kinds of chili peppers). It is cultivated mainly in the high Andes, but is also grown in some parts of Gutatemala and in Southern Mexico, where it is called manzano. Rocoto produces beautiful red
Ají (Capsicum pubescens) Read More »
Many people are familiar with Mexican horchata, a creamy, rice based drink. Ecuadorian horchata, however, is very different. In Ecuador, horchata refers to an herbal tea — an infusion of flowers & aromatic herbs. It is a traditional drink in the Southern part of the country, particularly in the Loja province, where it’s common to find
Horchata: A Traditional Ecuadorian Drink Read More »
Arracacha (Arracacia xanthorrhiza) is an Apiaceae family plant, also commonly known as Peruvian parsnip, apio criollo, zanahoria blanca, or white carrot. It produces fat whiteish roots that looks similar to a parsnip, with white, yellow, or purple flesh. The dark green, sometimes purplish, leaves look somewhat like parsley. Arracacha is native to the Andean highlands
Arracacha (Arracacia xanthorrhiza) Read More »
Passiflora ligularis, commonly known as granadilla, is a Passion flower species that grows prolifically in our mountainside gardens and in the wild here in Ecuador. It is an attractive climbing vine with large heart-shaped leaves that have a purple-ish tint when young. Its flowers are incredibly beautiful and aromatic. Granadilla produces oval-shaped orange fruits that
Granadilla (Passiflora ligularis) Read More »
One of my favorite things about exploring a new place is getting to know the plants that grow there and how the local folks use them (if they do). I love to see what’s growing wild and what people are cultivating. Each place has its own lovely array of diverse flora. Currently, Ayla & I
Edible & Medicinal Plants of Olón, Ecuador Read More »
One of our favorite Andean fruits to grow is naranjilla (Solanum quitoense). Also known as lulo, naranjilla is a Solanaceae (nightshade) family plant that produces an edible fruit popular in Ecuador and Columbia. Fruits have orange, fuzzy skin and tart, green flesh. The fruits are best when fully ripe — which is when they are
Naranjilla (Solanum quitoense) Read More »
Here we are at the beginning of a new year. So much of 2020 was strange & unsettling, but life went on, as it does, and I felt extra grateful to be on the mountain. This year Yves brought an oven up (not an easy task) and we started baking all of our own sourdough
A Year on the Mountain — Looking Back at 2020 Read More »
Achiote, also commonly known as annatto, bija, or urucum, is a lovely evergreen shrub in the Bixaceae family that is native to parts of South and Central America. Today, it is grown in most tropical countries. About 60% of annatto seed is produced in Latin America. Peru is the largest producer and exports the seeds
Achiote (Bixa orellana) Read More »
