Garden Blog - Top Tropicals

Date:

Papaya lime smoothie: quick n fun exotic. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Papaya lime smoothie: quick n fun exotic
🍴 Papaya lime smoothie: quick n fun exotic recipes

  • 🟢Blend ripe papaya with fresh lime juice, a splash of coconut water, and ice.
  • 🟢Super refreshing and naturally creamy, no dairy needed.


🛒 Pick a perfect Papaya variety for your yard

#Food_Forest #Recipes #Papaya

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Katuk egg stir-fry: quick n fun exotic recipes. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Katuk egg stir-fry: quick n fun exotic recipes

Katuk egg stir-fry: quick n fun exotic recipes
🍴 Katuk egg stir-fry: quick n fun exotic recipes

  • 🟢Saute chopped Katuk leaves (Sauropus androgynus) with garlic and a touch of soy sauce
  • 🟢Shen scramble in eggs.
  • 🟢Fast, simple, healthy, and full of flavor!


🛒 Add healthy Katuk to your perennial vegetable garden

#Food_Forest #Recipes

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Mango chili salt bites: quick n fun exotic recipes. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Mango chili salt bites: quick n fun exotic recipes

Mango chili salt bites

Mango chili salt bites

🍴 Mango chili salt bites: quick n fun exotic recipes
  • 🟡Slice ripe mango into wedges.
  • 🟡Sprinkle lightly with chili powder, salt, and a squeeze of lime.
  • 🟡Sweet, spicy, salty, tangy - all in one bite!


🛒 Explore Mango varieties

#Food_Forest #Recipes #Mango

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Avocado cacao mousse: quick n fun exotic recipes. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Avocado cacao mousse: quick n fun exotic recipes

Avocado cacao mousse

Avocado cacao mousse

🍴 Avocado cacao mousse: quick n fun exotic recipes
  • 🟢Blend ripe avocado with cocoa powder, honey, and a splash of vanilla.
  • 🟢Chill and serve like chocolate pudding.
  • 🟢Nobody will guess the secret ingredient!
  • 🟢Healthy and tasty!


🛒 For all-home-grown ingredients you will need:
Avocado tree fruit
Chocolate tree fruit
Vanilla Orchid Beans

#Food_Forest #Recipes #Avocado

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Cocoplum: secret fruit in your hedge. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Bahamas Cocoplum - Chrysobalanus icaco

🍒 Cocoplum: secret fruit in your hedge
  • 🍒 Most people think Cocoplum is just a boring hedge plant: Bahamas Cocoplum (Chrysobalanus icaco). Thick, green, easy to trim - great for privacy. But hidden in all that greenery? Super-sweet plum-like fruit that are edible and very tasty! They look like small plums and come in pink, purple, or white when ripe.
  • 🍒 Cocoplum is native to Florida and has been quietly feeding people for generations, long before it became a landscaping go-to. The fruit is mild, a little sweet, and great for snacking or making into jam.
  • 🍒 Cocoplum isn't just a tasty surprise - it comes with some health perks too:

▫️Rich in antioxidants - especially anthocyanins, which give the purple fruit its color and help fight free radicals in the body.
  • ▫️Good source of fiber - helps with digestion and keeping you full.
  • ▫️Contains vitamin C - supports your immune system and skin health.
  • ▫️Low in calories - great for snacking without guilt.
  • ▫️So when you bite into a Cocoplum, you're not just tasting Florida - you're getting a little wellness boost too.


🍯 Quick Cocoplum Jam:
  • 🔸2 cups ripe Cocoplums
  • 🔸1 cup sugar
  • 🔸1 cup water*
  • 🔸1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 🔸Mash it all up, cook on low 20-30 minutes until thick. Cool and enjoy!


*To make a delicious summer drink, add 10 cups of water and just get to boil. Let sit 2 hrs, mash up, drain fruit and cool to enjoy.

So next time you walk by a Cocoplum hedge, check for fruit. There might be a free snack waiting for you!

🛒 Get your edible hedge Cocoplum: privacy with perks

#Food_Forest #Recipes

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From seed to fruit. How to grow Loquat from seeds, step-by-step guide. Part 2: after germination. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Loquat tree (Eriobotrya japonica) - fruit

Loquat tree (Eriobotrya japonica) - fruit

✍️ From seed to fruit. How to grow Loquat from seeds, step-by-step guide. Part 2: after germination

Continued from previous posts⤴️
  • 🍑 4. Transplanting Seedlings

  • ▫️When to Transplant: Once seedlings reach about 2-4” (5-10 cm) in height.
  • ▫️Transplanting and fertilizing: Move each seedling to its own pot and add controlled release fertilizer (Green Magic is the best), or use liquid balanced fertilizer Sunshine Boosters after 1-2 weeks once the seedlings establish.
  • ▫️Watering. Keep soil in a pot slightly moist but not soggy
  • ▫️Temperature. Keep seedling warm - above 70F (21C), and protect from extreme heat over 90F (35C) . For small plants, avoid freezing temperatures during winter. As the seedlings get bigger, they get higher drought-, heat- and cold tolerance. Established Loquat trees (2-3 years and older) may take light freezing temperatures.
  • ▫️Planting in the ground. You can plant the seedling in the ground when it reaches 2-3 ft tall (50-100 cm) in frost-free areas. During chill winter nights, young seedlings can be cold protected until established.

  • 🍑 5. Sunlight Requirements

  • ▫️Light Exposure: Loquat established seedlings thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Start seedlings in bright shade and protect from afternoon hot sun to avoid leaf burn. Once seedlings are established and new growth appears (2-4 weeks), gradually move them to full sun.
  • ▫️Why adequate sunlight (full sun) is important:

    • - promotes healthy growth
    - helps to avoid fungus and insect problems
    - is critical for future flowering and fruit production


🍑 6. Fruit production
  • ▫️Loquat seedlings start producing seed within 3-4 years from seed, providing adequate sunlight, warm temperatures and regular irrigation.
  • ▫️Grafted Loquats start producing right away or the next year
  • ▫️Fruit will develop over the winter and ripen from March through May depending on location


🛒 Shop Loquat Trees and enjoy fresh fruit benefits

📚 Learn more:
🎥 YouTube video about Loquat
📁 Overlooked fruit: tasty Loquat recipes (PDF)

#Food_Forest #Loquat

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How to make chocolate dumplings in mango sauce: exotic recipe. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

chocolate dumplings in mango sauce

chocolate dumplings in mango sauce

How to make chocolate dumplings in mango sauce: exotic recipe

Ready to sneak this onto your dessert menu under a name like "Tropics Lost in Vienna"?

Ingredients
  • 🔸 For the dough:

• 200 g (1 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
  • • 1 egg
  • • 3 tbsp water
  • • Pinch of salt

  • 🔸 For the filling:

• 70 g (2.5 oz) dark chocolate
  • • 3 tbsp heavy cream
  • • 1 tsp cocoa powder (optional)
  • • 1 tsp sugar (if chocolate is too bitter)


🔸 For the mango sauce:
  • • 1 ripe mango (or 150 g mango puree)
  • • 100 ml (just under ½ cup) heavy cream
  • • 1-2 tsp honey
  • • 1 tsp lime or lemon juice
  • • Pinch of salt


🔪 Instructions
  • ➡Make the dough: Mix flour, egg, water, and salt into a soft dough. Knead, wrap, and rest for 30 minutes.
  • ➡Prepare the filling: Melt chocolate with cream over a water bath. Stir in sugar and cocoa if using. Let cool until thick.
  • ➡Shape the dumplings: Roll out dough, cut into circles, fill with chocolate, and seal. Freeze for 10 minutes to firm up.
  • ➡Cook: Boil in lightly salted water. Once they float, cook 2–3 minutes more. Lift out gently.
  • ➡Make the mango sauce: Blend mango, then stir in cream, honey, citrus juice, and salt. Warm gently without boiling.
  • ➡Serve: Arrange dumplings, spoon over sauce, and garnish with mint or lime zest if desired.


🛒 Plant your own Mango Tree and always have mango supply

#Food_Forest #Recipes #Mango

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Date:

Secret Banana Daiquiri Recipe: Healthy Never Tasted So Good! A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Secret Banana Daiquiri Recipe: Healthy Never Tasted So Good!
🍌 Secret Banana Daiquiri Recipe: Healthy Never Tasted So Good!

  • 🍹 Banana Daiquiri Recipe Ingredients:

  • · 1 ripe banana
  • · 2 ounces light rum
  • · 1 tablespoon sugar
  • · 1 ounce lime juice
  • · 1/2 ounce triple sec (optional for added depth)
  • · Ice cubes
  • · Slice of lime or banana for garnish

  • 🍹Instructions:

  • · Prepare the Banana: Peel the banana and cut it into chunks.
  • · Blend the Ingredients: In a blender, combine the banana chunks, light rum, sugar, lime juice, and triple sec.
  • · Add a handful of ice cubes. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth.
  • · If the mixture is too thick, you can add a small amount of water or more lime juice to adjust the consistency.


🍹Garnish and Serve:

  • · Pour the mixture into a chilled glass. Garnish with a slice of lime on the rim of the glass or a small wheel of banana. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing tropical flavors!
  • · This Banana Daiquiri is not only refreshing but also offers a creamy texture and a perfect balance of sweetness and citrus. It's a fantastic choice for hot days or when you're in the mood for something a bit exotic. Cheers!


📚 About Banana from previous posts:

🛒 Banana Bliss Starts Here

#Food_Forest #Recipes

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Date:

Mango and Ricotta/Cottage Cheese Dumplings. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Mango and Ricotta/Cottage Cheese Dumplings
❤️ Mango and Ricotta/Cottage Cheese Dumplings

  • Ingredients:

  • · 1 large ripe mango, peeled and finely chopped
  • · cup ricotta cheese or cottage cheese (use ricotta for a smoother texture or cottage cheese for a more textured filling)
  • · 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust based on the sweetness of the mango)
  • · 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • · 1 package of wonton wrappers
  • · Water, for sealing the wrappers
  • · Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
  • · Butter or oil, for frying

  • Instructions:


    • Prepare the Filling:
    In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped mango, ricotta or cottage cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

    Assemble the Dumplings:

· Lay out the wonton wrappers on a clean surface. Spoon about one tablespoon of the mango-cheese mixture into the center of each wrapper.
  • · Dip your finger in water and run it along the edges of the wrapper to moisten them. This helps seal the dumplings.
  • · Bring the edges of the wrapper together to form a triangle or purse, making sure to expel any air pockets as you seal the edges firmly.


    • Cook the Dumplings:
  • · For Frying: Heat butter or oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the dumplings and fry until golden brown on both sides. Remove from the pan and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
  • · For Steaming: If you prefer a healthier option, you can steam the dumplings. Place them in a steamer basket over boiling water and steam for about 10-15 minutes or until the wrappers are translucent.


Serve:

Serve the dumplings warm. Dust with powdered sugar if desired for a sweet finish.

Optional Sauce:
You can serve these dumplings with a simple dipping sauce made by mixing some honey with a splash of lime juice. This adds a zesty contrast to the sweet and creamy filling.

These mango and cheese dumplings are a creative twist on traditional dessert dumplings, bringing together flavors that are both refreshing and comforting. Enjoy your cooking!

🛒 Plant your own Mango Tree and always have mango supply

#Food_Forest #Recipes #Mango

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Date:

Secret Banana Daiquiri Recipe:
Healthy Never Tasted So Good!

Banana Daiquiri Recipe

Q: What can I do with a lot of Bananas? All three trees I got from you last year produced lots of bananas and I can eat only so much. Any exotic recipes?

A: When we get lots of bananas (which happens every year!), we make banana bread or banana pudding for the whole team. But those are pretty common recipes. Try Banana Daiquiri!

Banana Daiquiri Recipe Ingredients:

1 ripe banana
2 ounces light rum

  1. tablespoon sugar
    1 ounce lime juice

1/2 ounce triple sec (optional for added depth)
Ice cubes
Slice of lime or banana for garnish>

Instructions:

Prepare the Banana: Peel the banana and cut it into chunks.
Blend the Ingredients: In a blender, combine the banana chunks, light rum, sugar, lime juice, and triple sec. Add a handful of ice cubes. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a small amount of water or more lime juice to adjust the consistency.

Garnish and Serve:

Pour the mixture into a chilled glass. Garnish with a slice of lime on the rim of the glass or a small wheel of banana. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing tropical flavors!

This Banana Daiquiri is not only refreshing but also offers a creamy texture and a perfect balance of sweetness and citrus. It's a fantastic choice for hot days or when you're in the mood for something a bit exotic. Cheers!

Banana Bliss Starts Here

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