As I have shared with you before, granadillas (Passiflora ligularis) are often confused with Maracuya (Passiflora edulis) because they look similar, especially the yellow maracuyá (passion fruit). However they taste different, granadillas are sweet while maracuyá are more acidic. The fruit is between 6.5 and 8 cm long and between 5.1 and 7 cm in … Read more
Once again granadillas are in season in Guatemala. As I have mentioned before, granadillas (Passiflora ligularis) are often confused with Maracuya (Passiflora edulis) because they look similar, especially the yellow maracuyá (passion fruit). However they taste different, granadillas are sweet while maracuyá are more acidic. Granadillas, Passiflora ligularis, commonly known as the Sweet granadilla or … Read more
Chico Zapote or simply chico which in English is known as Sapodilla is a popular fruit in Guatemala. From the sap of Chico Zapote tree is produced the natural chewing gum known as chicle. Oh how I enjoy inflicting nostalgic pinches to the Guatemalans living abroad! 😉 When was the last time you had chico … Read more
Pitahaya season is here! A Pitaya (pronounced /pɨˈtaɪ.ə/) or pitahaya (English pronunciation: /ˌpɪtəˈhaɪ.ə/) is the fruit of several cactus species, most importantly of the genus Hylocereus (sweet pitayas). These fruits are commonly known as dragon fruit. The vine-like epiphytic Hylocereus Pitaya producing cacti are native to Mexico, Central America, and South America. Hylocereus has adapted … Read more
Okay, we will finish the Zapote and other exotic tropical fruits from Guatemala week with the Chico Zapote or simply chico which in English is known as Sapodilla. The flavor of Chico Zapote is exceptionally sweet and very tasty, with what can be described as a malty flavor. The unripe fruit is hard to the … Read more
Even though most people are familiar with cashew nuts (I think), I am almost sure many people do not have the slightest idea about the fruit that produces the cashew nuts. Well there you have it, the jocote de marañón or cashew mombin or as Javier calls it, cashew apple. Although I think the word … Read more
I tell you, those Costa Ricans have no shame. First they made the entire world believe that Central America was them. Then, they passed some funky and colorful looking bird as Guatemala’s own Quetzal. Costa Ricans are now working in their coffee campaign and trying very hard to convince the world about the high quality … Read more
Many were the contributions of Meso-America to the world in terms of brand-new dietary crops; so long is the list that one can not imagine a world without such staples like maize (corn), tomatoes, avocados, potatoes, squash, pumpkins, tomatillo, beans, red hot chili peppers [not the rock band ;-)], et-cetera. Some crops from Meso-America, however, … Read more