Soursop or guyabano as we call it in the Philippines is gaining popularity as a health fruit and a natural medicine against cancer. Whether it is true or not, soursop or guyabano is an interesting fruit to eat. The skin looks like it would hurt you when you touch it but the spikes you see…
Is-is tree – Ficus Ulmifolia Lamk We have a tree we call is-is in the Philippines when I was growing up. To me it is a special tree although it has no medicinal value. It’s use is more of a utilitarian in nature. The leaves which are big and green are abrasive so we…
Guava (Psidium Guajava) is a tropical fruit native to Mexico, Central America and the northern part of South America and is called guayaba, a Spanish word which the Filipinos used and became “bayabas” in the native dialect. The tree can be grown from seeds, and will start fruiting within 2-4 years. It will produce fruits…
Surinam Cherry – Eugenia uniflora – also called Pitanga is native to South America and made its way to Hawaii and is also considered an invasive plant. It grows easily and is also pest resistant. The birds like to eat them and spread the seeds by their droppings. Surinam Cherry is a small tree that…
Mizuna is a Japanese green vegetable that is gaining popularity in the US. It is in the family of Brassicas which includes kale, rapini or broccoli rabe, broccoli and cauliflower. It is used mainly by Japanese in making soup for New Year celebration as sort of good luck. But its being used now in green…