Monthly Archives: June 2011

It’s an Eggplant… It’s a Cucumber… It’s a wild Zuchinni… NO! … It’s Sicana Banana!! Sicana odorifera, the only species of the genus Sicana, is a large, herbaceous perennial vine that is believed native to Brazil but it has been … Continue reading →

Have you ever tried Cocona fruit? Don’t feel left out, not a lot of people here in the US have. The Cocona has been an important food source for people living in Peru, Colombia, Venezuela and Brazil. In fact, cultivation … Continue reading →

For centuries, Brazil nut trees have grown wild in the Amazon forest of South America. Many indigenous tribes, like the Yanomami, used the nuts to supplement their diets, and the oil and husks for a variety of other purposes. The … Continue reading →

Xanthosoma sagittifolium originated in the jungles of southern Central America, Venezuela, French Guiana, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil and other South American nations and spread quickly throughout most of the Caribbean. Although it is considered “invasive” in South Florida it is … Continue reading →

Father’s Day, do you know the origins? Father’s Day is Sunday, June 19. In that spirit, to all of you dads out there, a very happy Father’s Day to you! Especially to my wonderful husband, my two sons, my brother, … Continue reading →

-You’re currently reading “June Bake Quest #8,” an entry submitted to Life in the Sonoran Desert.- Have you had a Japanese Curry? I just love it! (Japanese curry is a sweeter milder version of Indian curry eaten in Japan). I … Continue reading →

Warnings: All parts of Monstera deliciosa are poisonous except the ripe fruits. The plant contains oxalic acid and even the ripe fruits may be an irritant to particularly sensitive people. The Monstera deliciosa is native to wet forests of southern … Continue reading →

Many events in the history of mankind eventually fade into oblivion, but others, leave their indelible marks for the entire world to see. – Author Unknown The story of John Nash’s life – brilliant mathematician, troubled schizophrenic, and finally winner … Continue reading →

The Yerba Mate plant, which is really a tree, is an evergreen from the Holly family that grows in the subtropical forests Paraguay, Uruguay and Parana. The Yerba Mate tradition originated with the Guarani Indians living in remote parts of … Continue reading →