Blooming Merickville!

I am coming back with my image report on my daily walks, that happen to be at Merrickville this time.

Sapodilla Fruit Tree

This is exactly how the sapodilla sap is being harvested from the tree. They make a cut on the bark in diagonal, so the sap would go down the tree to be collected in a container.

After, the sap is boiled until it thickens to be able to be rolled and cut into pieces. Those pieces are ready-made chewing gums with a natural long-lasting flavor. (Ah, I wish those times were back...)

Sapodilla fruit

Do you know where chewing gum comes from? Well, it's exactly from the sap of the tree that I am introducing to you today. It's called Sapodilla.
Its fruit has an exceptionally sweet, malty flavor. Many believe the flavor bears a striking resemblance to caramel or a candied pear with brown sugar, or a sweet mix of brown sugar and root beer. But! only when it’s ripe; green sapodilla fruit literally tastes like crap.

The fruit is served as it is - raw and not peeled. You just cut it in half and scoop out the flesh just like a ice-cream.
People call the plant a chewing gum tree, because, as I mentioned earlier, sapodilla tree is also the source of chicle, a chewing gum component. Chicle is derived from the milky juice (latex) of the sapodilla tree. This tree is found mainly in the areas of Mexico, Guatemala and Belize, which lie within the Yucatan Peninsula. And I'll talk about harvesting the tree sap in my next post.

Junk art or Junk yard?

This is a picture of a backyard in my area. The owner has proclaimed himself an artist and this is supposed to be one of his art compositions (that he watches for days sometimes changing the position of his chair to get a better view!). Would you ever guess that this image below depicts an art display???

Merrickville trip

Last Saturday (Aug. 6) I went to Merrickville for a day trip with my very close friends. I've been there before quite few times, but I always found it such an inviting, friendly, homey town that is a pleasure to come back to any time. Here is what it looks like:

 

Guava Fruit

When I was in Puerto Rico I used to work outside a lot, either cutting grass or working in my green house. And one thing I remember very clearly is the aroma of a ripe Guava fruit that I would smell. I have to admit I have a very acute capability of smelling things even from a long distance. So, this smell would lead me to the ripe Guava.

The taste of this fruit is very peculiar. It’s a combination of pear, kiwi, and strawberry with a texture of a green pear.
There is nothing better after a long day under the sun than to pick a ripe guava from a tree, wash and eat it with its skin. It is absolutely delicious and filling, and can easily satisfy your hunger.
Studies suggest that lycopene in pink guavas prevents skin damage from UV rays and offers protection from prostate cancer. It has many other health advantages as well.

Soursop indulgence

It is challenging for me to think or refer to this fruit as soursop, because I am used to calling it "guanabana", which is a Spanish word for it.

I have discovered and cultivated this tree in Puerto Rico. The tree is called guyabano, obviously derived from the Spanish guanabana, and is eaten ripe. It is also used for juices, smoothies, or ice cream.
Unusual kidney-shaped prickly fruits weigh up to 6 pounds. A sweet and sour juice is extracted from the fruit white pulp, which makes a fabulous cool drink. And this drink literally melts in your mouth!
This fruit is also an incredible remedy, that treats cancer, liver ailments, and its root bark can be used as an antidote for poisoning. There are plenty of other benefits this fruit has.
The "Soursop Tree" grows on almost every Caribbean island and throughout Central and South America. In addition to the pleasant tasting fruit, the leaves can be "steeped" in hot water to make a pleasant tasting tea. Be careful with the strength of the tea, i.e. the number of leaves used and the time allowed to remain in hot water.