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Date:

Fruit of Money and Love

Fruit of Money and Love Fruit of Money and Love Fruit of Money and Love
❤️💰 Fruit of Money and Love

🫘 Theobroma cacao, commonly known as the Chocolate Tree or Cacao Tree, is very exciting plant and a superfood as we mentioned earlier.

  • 💥 Theobroma means "food of the gods" in Greek. "Theo" means god, and "broma" means food.

  • 💥 The Olmecs, Mayans, and Aztecs were among the first to cultivate cacao, using it to make a bitter beverage called xocoatl. It was often spiced with chili peppers and used in various rituals and ceremonies.

  • 💥 Currency: in ancient Mesoamerican cultures, cacao beans were so valuable that they were used as a form of currency. For example, 100 beans could buy a slave or a turkey.

  • 💥 The Aztecs believed that cacao had stimulating properties and used it as an aphrodisiac. Emperor Montezuma was said to consume a large amount of cacao before visiting his harem. We can't deny that chocolate's mood-enhancing properties, combined with cultural and psychological factors, contribute to its romantic allure! ❤️

  • 💥 A cacao pod contains 20 to 50 beans, each surrounded by a sweet, mucilaginous pulp. The pods grow directly on the trunk and larger branches of the tree, a feature known as cauliflory.

  • 💥 After harvesting, cacao beans are fermented for several days, a critical step that develops the flavor precursors needed for chocolate production.

  • 💥 The Cacao tree thrives in the humid, tropical regions around the equator. It can be grown as an exciting house plant.

  • 💥 Health benefits: cacao beans are rich in antioxidants, magnesium, iron, and other minerals. They also contain flavonoids, associated with heart health benefits.

  • 💥 There are three main varieties of cacao beans: Criollo, Forastero, and Trinitario. Criollo is considered the highest quality but is less common due to its susceptibility to disease. Forastero is the most widely grown, known for its hardiness. Trinitario is a hybrid of the two.

  • 💥 It takes about 400 cacao beans to make one pound of chocolate. The beans undergo roasting, grinding, and mixing with sugar and other ingredients to produce the final chocolate product.


📚Learn more: Plants of Love - Aphrodisiacs of the plant world

🛒 Grow your own Chocolate Tree

#Food_Forest #Fun_Facts

🏵 TopTropicals

Date:

Fruit of Money and Love

Theobroma cacao - Chocolate Tree, Cacao Tree

Theobroma cacao - Chocolate Tree, Cacao Tree

Theobroma cacao - Chocolate Tree, Cacao Tree

Theobroma cacao - Chocolate Tree, Cacao Tree

Theobroma cacao - Chocolate Tree, Cacao Tree

Theobroma cacao - Chocolate Tree, Cacao Tree

❤️💰 Fruit of Money and Love

🫘 Theobroma cacao, commonly known as the Chocolate Tree or Cacao Tree, is very exciting plant and a superfood as we mentioned earlier.
  • 💥 Theobroma means "food of the gods" in Greek. "Theo" means god, and "broma" means food.
  • 💥 The Olmecs, Mayans, and Aztecs were among the first to cultivate cacao, using it to make a bitter beverage called xocoatl. It was often spiced with chili peppers and used in various rituals and ceremonies.
  • 💥 Currency: in ancient Mesoamerican cultures, cacao beans were so valuable that they were used as a form of currency. For example, 100 beans could buy a slave or a turkey.
  • 💥 The Aztecs believed that cacao had stimulating properties and used it as an aphrodisiac. Emperor Montezuma was said to consume a large amount of cacao before visiting his harem. We can't deny that chocolate's mood-enhancing properties, combined with cultural and psychological factors, contribute to its romantic allure! ❤️
  • 💥 A cacao pod contains 20 to 50 beans, each surrounded by a sweet, mucilaginous pulp. The pods grow directly on the trunk and larger branches of the tree, a feature known as cauliflory.
  • 💥 After harvesting, cacao beans are fermented for several days, a critical step that develops the flavor precursors needed for chocolate production.
  • 💥 The Cacao tree thrives in the humid, tropical regions around the equator. It can be grown as an exciting house plant.
  • 💥 Health benefits: cacao beans are rich in antioxidants, magnesium, iron, and other minerals. They also contain flavonoids, associated with heart health benefits.
  • 💥 There are three main varieties of cacao beans: Criollo, Forastero, and Trinitario. Criollo is considered the highest quality but is less common due to its susceptibility to disease. Forastero is the most widely grown, known for its hardiness. Trinitario is a hybrid of the two.
  • 💥 It takes about 400 cacao beans to make one pound of chocolate. The beans undergo roasting, grinding, and mixing with sugar and other ingredients to produce the final chocolate product.


📚Learn more: Plants of Love - Aphrodisiacs of the plant world

🛒 Grow your own Chocolate Tree

#Food_Forest #Fun_Facts

🏵 TopTropicals

Date:

Top 5 exotic Mango varieties for rare fruit collection

Mango Kar Lon Long

Mango Kar Lon Long

Mango Mun Kun Si

Mango Mun Kun Si

Mango - Pina Colada

Mango - Pina Colada

Mango Ugly Betty

Mango Ugly Betty

Mango Giselle

Mango Giselle

🥭 Top 5 exotic Mango varieties for rare fruit collection.

Now that you have decided to collect them all but have limited space, these are the top 5 of the most interesting rare Mango cultivars:
  • 🟠 1. Kar Lon Long - rare and unusual, native to India. Fruits that can weigh up to 5 lbs each! The unique flavor that has been described as being a cross between a mango and a pineapple.
  • 🟠 2. Mun Kun Si - similar to Nam Doc Mai but much bigger. Rare variety, very popular among Thai and Vietnamese people. The fruit are extremely sweet, fiberless and somewhat crunchy ("Mun" means crunchy). Very late producer, fruit may still be on a tree as late as January.
  • 🟠 3. Pina Colada - very sweet, has rich flavor with a hint of coconut and pineapple.
  • 🟠 4. Ugly Betty - awesome mango, great sweet flavor, while the fruit is real ugly! Slightly mis-shaped at the top - hence the name.
  • 🟠 5. Giselle - from Gary Zill's breeding program and was a seedling of a mango called Tower. It was described as a juice mango and is named after Gary's wife.


❓What is your favorite Mango variety? Share in comments 👇

📝 See also earlier posts:

🛒 Shop Mango Trees

#Food_Forest

🏵 TopTropicals

Date:

1000 times sweeter than sugar! How to eat sweets without sugar

Lippia dulcis - Aztec Sweet Herb, Sweetleaf

Lippia dulcis - Aztec Sweet Herb, Sweetleaf

Lippia dulcis - Aztec Sweet Herb, Sweetleaf

Lippia dulcis - Aztec Sweet Herb, Sweetleaf

Lippia dulcis - Aztec Sweet Herb, Sweetleaf

Lippia dulcis - Aztec Sweet Herb, Sweetleaf

🧁 1000 times sweeter than sugar! How to eat sweets without sugar.

🌱 Lippia dulcis - Aztec Sweet Herb, Sweetleaf - is the answer for sugar-free diet. And it's perfectly tasty, and sweeter than Stevia!
  • 🍭 This is a Mexican herb with an incredibly sweet leaf.
  • 🍭 Leaves can be eaten from the plant like candy or tossed into fruit salads for an unusual addition.
  • 🍭 Medicinal tea: it is used since the time of the Aztecs for coughs and colds.


🛒 Get Aztec Sweet Herb

#Food_Forest #Remedies

🏵 TopTropicals

Date:

How to grow your own Carambola

How to grow your own Carambola How to grow your own Carambola
⭐️ How to grow your own Carambola

Star Fruit - Carambola Tree (Averrhoa carambola). Growing this tree is a fun and rewarding way to enjoy this unique and delicious fruit right at home.

  • 🌟 Star power: slice it, and you get perfect star-shaped pieces for impressing guests or adding some sparkle to your fruit salad. Bright yellow and shiny, the fruit adds a pop of color to any dish. Great in salads, smoothies, desserts, or even as a garnish. Endless possibilities!

  • 🌟 Nature's candy and low-calorie treat: a delightful mix of sweet and tangy flavors packed with juicy goodness, a refreshing way to stay hydrated. Guilt-free snacking with hardly any calories. Snack away!

  • 🌟 Health benefits: Star fruit is loaded with Vitamin C. Good source of dietary fiber, keeps things moving smoothly. Packed with antioxidants to help fight off those pesky free radicals.

  • 🌟 Cultivation of the tree is easy:

  • ▪️ Loves full sun. Plant it in a sunny spot for the best fruit.
  • ▪️Keep warm and protect from winds. Thrives in warm, tropical climates, but can take some light frost winters as long as protected from winds, wind-free is the key!
  • ▪️Prefers well-drained soil. Keep it happy with good drainage.
  • ▪️Regular watering but doesn't like soggy feet.
  • ▪️Space saver: compact tree that doesn't take up much space. Perfect for smaller gardens. Dwarf varieties available, good for containers.
  • ▪️Fast grower: grows quickly. You'll be harvesting star fruit in no time!
  • ▪️Pretty blooms: produces lovely pink flowers. Adds beauty to your garden even before the fruit comes.
  • ▪️Home harvest: enjoy fresh, home-grown star fruit. Pick them right off the tree!
  • ▪️Fast-fruiting: seedlings start fruiting within 3 years from seed. Grafted or air-layered trees fruit right away.


📚 Learn more: Carambola tree is the Star of the orchard

🛒 Shop Start Fruit varieties

#Food_Forest

🏵 TopTropicals

Date:

How to grow your own Carambola

Star Fruit - Carambola Tree (Averrhoa carambola) fruit on a plate

Star Fruit - Carambola Tree (Averrhoa carambola) fruit on a plate

Star Fruit - Carambola Tree (Averrhoa carambola) fruit

Star Fruit - Carambola Tree (Averrhoa carambola) fruit

⭐️ How to grow your own Carambola

Star Fruit - Carambola Tree (Averrhoa carambola). Growing this tree is a fun and rewarding way to enjoy this unique and delicious fruit right at home.
  • 🌟 Star power: slice it, and you get perfect star-shaped pieces for impressing guests or adding some sparkle to your fruit salad. Bright yellow and shiny, the fruit adds a pop of color to any dish. Great in salads, smoothies, desserts, or even as a garnish. Endless possibilities!
  • 🌟 Nature's candy and low-calorie treat: a delightful mix of sweet and tangy flavors packed with juicy goodness, a refreshing way to stay hydrated. Guilt-free snacking with hardly any calories. Snack away!
  • 🌟 Health benefits: Star fruit is loaded with Vitamin C. Good source of dietary fiber, keeps things moving smoothly. Packed with antioxidants to help fight off those pesky free radicals.
  • 🌟 Cultivation of the tree is easy:

  • ▪️ Loves full sun. Plant it in a sunny spot for the best fruit.
  • ▪️Keep warm and protect from winds. Thrives in warm, tropical climates, but can take some light frost winters as long as protected from winds, wind-free is the key!
  • ▪️Prefers well-drained soil. Keep it happy with good drainage.
  • ▪️Regular watering but doesn't like soggy feet.
  • ▪️Space saver: compact tree that doesn't take up much space. Perfect for smaller gardens. Dwarf varieties available, good for containers.
  • ▪️Fast grower: grows quickly. You'll be harvesting star fruit in no time!
  • ▪️Pretty blooms: produces lovely pink flowers. Adds beauty to your garden even before the fruit comes.
  • ▪️Home harvest: enjoy fresh, home-grown star fruit. Pick them right off the tree!


📚 Learn more: Carambola tree is the Star of the orchard

🛒 Shop Start Fruit varieties

#Food_Forest

🏵 TopTropicals

Date:

The best tropical fruit tree for container growing, and the fastest to fruit:

Rollinia (Rollinia deliciosa) - the biggest Annona fruit

Rollinia (Rollinia deliciosa) - the biggest Annona fruit

Sugar Apple (Annona squamosa)

Sugar Apple (Annona squamosa)

Guanabana (Annona muricata)

Guanabana (Annona muricata)

Pineapple Annona Golden (Annona costaricana)

Pineapple Annona Golden (Annona costaricana)

Custard Apple (Annona reticulata)

Custard Apple (Annona reticulata)

Mountain Soursop or Hedgehog (Annona montana)

Mountain Soursop or Hedgehog (Annona montana)

🏆 The best tropical fruit tree for container growing, and the fastest to fruit: Annona.

🍏 Annonas (Annona sp) are very much loved tropical fruit. The fruit has smooth, creamy flesh, just like a natural custard - hence one of the common names - "Custard Apple". Growing an Annona tree is a rewarding experience, its a small compact tree that will let you enjoy its creamy and exotic fruit right away.

The best tropical tree suited for container growing, due to its small height. It can be maintained within 6-8 ft tall.

The fastest fruiting tree: 2-3-4 years from seed to fruit, depending on species.

Most species are deciduous: drop leaves during winter-spring.

Thrives in frost-free climate. Some species are cold hardier than others. Container culture is a good way to cold protect these beautiful small trees.

❤️ 6 top most popular Annonas:
  • ▪️ Rollinia (Rollinia deliciosa) - the biggest Annona fruit and the most showy
  • ▪️ Sugar Apple (Annona squamosa) - the most popular
  • ▪️ Guanabana (Annona muricata) - the most cold sensitive but the fruit is so tasty!
  • ▪️ Pineapple Annona Golden (Annona costaricana) - cold hardy and easy to grow
  • ▪️ Custard Apple (Annona reticulata) - with red flesh
  • ▪️ Mountain Soursop or Hedgehog (Annona montana) - mentioned earlier, cold hardy


📚 Learn more:
Horoscope for Guanabana tree
Hedgehog Mountain Soursop - Annona montana
How to grow and hand-pollinate Guanabana Tree indoors (PDF)

🛒 Shop Annona varieties

#Food_Forest

🏵 TopTropicals

Date:

What is the best fruit in the world? How to grow your own Lychee tree

Lychee (Litchi chinensis)

Lychee (Litchi chinensis)

Lychee (Litchi chinensis)

Lychee (Litchi chinensis)

🍊 What is the best fruit in the world? How to grow your own Lychee tree.

Lychee (Litchi chinensis) is often called the best fruit in the world. You've eaten these no doubt in Chinese restaurants: fresh or sun-dried (Litchi Nuts) or canned in syrup. Growing a lychee tree is a rewarding way to enjoy this sweet and exotic fruit right at home!
  • 📍 The fruit has been grown in China for over 2,000 years and was once considered a luxury food for the wealthy. Lychee trees can produce fruit for more than 100 years.
  • 📍 Lychee fruit is a burst of sweet, juicy and fragrant goodness with every bite. Unique blend of sweet and floral notes, a taste of the tropics! It is delicious on its own or in desserts, drinks, and salads.
  • 📍 Packed with vitamin C, has high water content - keeps you refreshed and hydrated. It is a guilt-free snacking with minimal calories. Loaded with antioxidants.
  • 📍 The tree loves full sun and prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It needs regular watering, especially during dry periods. keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
  • 📍Space needed: it can grow quite tall and wide, give the tree plenty of space to spread out. Relatively resistant to pests!
  • 📍Slow Grower: although air-layered trees start fruiting right in a pot, it takes years for the tree to grow big (approx. 10 years for 20 ft tree).


❓ What other BEST fruit in the world do you know? Mango, Sugar Apple, Mangosteen... What's your favorite? Share in comments.

🛒 Shop Lychee varieties

#Food_Forest

🏵 TopTropicals

Date:

Healthy breakfast, lunch or snack: Avocado toast

Healthy breakfast, lunch or snack: Avocado toast
🥑 Healthy breakfast, lunch or snack: Avocado toast

Avocado toast is creamy, crisp and so satisfying. It’s a delicious and simple breakfast, snack or light meal!

🥪 Ingredients (makes 1 toast):

  • ◾️ 1 slice of bread (thick-sliced whole-grain or rye bread is the best)
  • ◾️ ½ ripe avocado
  • ◾️ Pinch of salt and black pepper


📝 Instructions

  • ◾️ Toast your slice of bread until golden and firm.
  • ◾️ Remove the pit from your avocado. Use a big spoon to scoop out the flesh.
  • ◾️ Spread avocado on top of your toast.
  • ◾️ Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.


🍿 Enjoy!

🛒 Grow your own Avocado and Pepper plants

#Food_Forest #Recipes

🏵 TopTropicals

Date:

The most luscious Hospitality Fruit

Pineapple plant (Ananas comosus)

🍍 The most luscious Hospitality Fruit

💥 Pineapple plant (Ananas comosus) produces a delicious fruit treat and is a fascinating plant to grow.
  • 🔻 King of fruits. Pineapple is often referred to as the "king of fruits" (along with Durian and Mango). It is cherished for its sweet and tangy taste, refreshing qualities, culinary uses, and health benefits, including high vitamin C content and digestive enzymes.
  • 🔻 Bromelain for healthy guts: pineapples contain an enzyme called bromelain that can break down proteins and is often used as a meat tenderizer. It's great for digestion; eat 1 slice of pineapple after every meal to maintain healthy digestive system.
  • 🔻 Single fruit per plant: each pineapple plant produces just one pineapple per year.
  • 🔻 Growth time: It takes about 18-24 months for a pineapple to mature and be ready for harvest.
  • 🔻 Symbol of Hospitality: in many cultures, pineapples are a symbol of hospitality and welcome.
  • 🔻 Those are berries! A pineapple is formed from many individual single fruit (technically, berries), which fuse together around the core.
  • 🔻 Cultivation. Pineapples are easy to grow. They need only a little water to thrive. Take full sun, shade, semi-shade. For faster production, fertilize with SUNSHINE boosters Ananas - Pineapple and Bromeliad Booster. Perfect container plant, can be grown indoors as a houseplant.
  • 🔻 Propagation: pineapples can be grown from the crown of the fruit. If you like the variety of the fruit you just ate, just cut the top off and plant it in potting soil, it will root within a few weeks. Make sure to not overwater it. Many superior varieties are available in selection.


📚 Learn more: The most luscious Hospitality Fruit: Pineapple

🛒 Select Pineapple varieties

#Food_Forest

🏵 TopTropicals
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