Going Green with Mary Odermatt

The Riviera Maya is blessed with a year round temperate climate, which makes for perfect conditions for gardening; specifically tropical fruit trees. Although some trees may take quite awhile to mature they can offer much in return; they act like the lungs of our planet filtering out carbon dioxide and many of them are extremely useful in other ways as well. Many tropical trees that bear fruit can easily grow in the Riviera Maya; some are native to this area and others are not, but most of these are relatively easy to grow from seed. A handful of these trees include:  avocado, banana, citrus, coconut, mamey sapote, mango, papaya and tamarind.

Avocado trees (Persea americana) can grow up to 20 meters in height (65 feet). They are relatively easy to grow from the seed that is found in the fruit. Fully grown avocado trees provide ample amounts of shade and one tree alone can provide up to 260 pounds of oxygen per year. The fruit, which is actually a large berry that grows on the tree, is high in monounsaturated fat and dietary fiber. The main variety that is grown in Mexico is the Hass Avocado Tree. Avocadoes are mostly eaten as a savory fruit , but some countries eat them in sugary confections such as milkshakes or ice-cream. Avocados can  also be used for a great moisturizing face mask!

Bananas are herbaceous plants of the Musaceae family and depending on the species can grow to be up to 8 meters in height (25 feet). They are a fast growing plant and provide a fruit that can be eaten raw, cooked or dried. The bananas grow in clusters and the clusters are composed of hands, the banana (a finger) is technically a berry according to the California Rare Fruit Growers Inc. The leaves provide ample amounts of shade, are waterproof and can also be used in traditional Yucatecan cuisine to steam fish, tamales and meats. Banana reproduce by sending out two plant shoots at time, the shoot grows into another plant; this plant can then be dug up and transplanted elsewhere. Banana plants do not require much special attention except protection from wind.

Citrus trees (Citrus genus) are generally 5 to 15 meters tall (16 to 49 feet). The citrus family includes oranges and limes, which both grow here in Mexico. Generally the trees can be grown from the seed found in the fruit, which are berries. Limes and lime juice are an important part of Mexican cuisine. Limes also play a great role in many alcoholic beverages, especially in an ice cold Mexican beer!

Coconut palms (Cocos nucifera) can grow to be up to 30 meters (100 feet) tall, they offer plenty of shade with their palms and they have a high yield of fruit (the coconuts). The coconut palm is known in many countries as "the tree of a thousand uses" as practically all parts of the palm are useful. You can enjoy young coconuts for their milk and jelly, or you can let it mature for a firmer meat. You can grow a tree from the nut itself. The husks are useful for potting other plants,  and can also be used with the shells as charcoal. The actual wood of the palm is considered an ecologically sustainable alternative to endangered hardwood species.

Mamey Sapote (Pouteria sapota) is an interesting fruit. It is a large berry that grows on a large tree, 18 to 42 meters tall (60 to 140 feet). The fruit has a brown outer skin, pink to orange colored flesh and one large seed on the inside much like an avocado. The flesh tastes like sweet pumpkin or potato with almond overtones. It is a very popular fruit in Latin America for milkshakes, ice cream, desserts and just eaten on its own. It is also used in holistic medicine to cure headaches and gastrointestinal problems.

Mango trees (Mangifera indica), depending on the variety can grow to be up to 40 meters (131 feet) tall. Mangoes are generally used for their juice and flesh. The Ataulfo Mango, which has been appropriately marketed as the "Champagne" Mango in North American and European markets, is widely available in local markets here in the Riviera Maya. This mango has a smooth delicious fragrant flesh with less strings, it is easy to grow from seed and produces a smaller tree (up to 9 meters or 30 feet).

Papaya plants (Carica papaya) can grow to be 5 meters (16 feet) tall. Though they look like a tree they are actually an herbaceous plant like the banana. It produces the papaya fruit that has many uses. It can be eaten raw, cooked, ripe or unripe. It can be used as an ointment for cuts and burns. It contains papain which is an enzyme that can be used as a meat tenderizer. The seeds are edible and aide in digestions, and are also used ground up as a replacement for black pepper.

Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) is a popular fruit in Mexico that is mainly used for making candies, sauces and flavoring drinks. It has a sweet spiced flavor and is often called an Indian date. The fruits have the highest level of proteins and carbohydrates of any fruit. It is relatively easy to grow from a seed although the tree itself is slow growing, but can reach a height of up to 20 meters (66 feet), and can live to the ripe old age of 200 years.

These are just a handful of fruits that are widely available at local supermarkets like DAC and "tienditas" (neighborhood fruit and vegetable stores) all over the Riviera Maya. There are many other tropical fruits that would also thrive in this climate. The trees and plants listed above are generally easy to grow from the seed of the fruit that you bought in the store.  How amazing would it be to have your own one hectare of jungle paradise covered with useful tropical trees and fruit that you grew from a seed or cutting! Check out our website to see how you an own your own jungle paradise!

Check out the August 2008 Article here.

www.ranchomayab.com

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