Garden Blog - Top Tropicals

Date:

Why this pepper is different? A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Why this pepper is different?

Piper longum - Indian Long Pepper, Pippali

🍲 Why this pepper is different?
  • 🍀 Piper longum - Indian Long Pepper, Pippali - is a sweeter, less pungent cousin of black pepper, prized for its unique flavor and healing powers.
  • 🍀 Its leaves start out heart-shaped, then lengthen as the plant matures. Originating from South Asia, Pippali is a fun and exotic choice for any spice lover seeking a fresh twist on classic pepper.
  • 🍀 Its dried fruit makes a tasty seasoning, while traditional medicine loves it for soothing coughs, easing congestion, and calming upset stomachs.
  • 🍀 This vining shrub can climb a trellis or fence, preferring shady spots with regular watering.


📚 Learn more from previous post:
What is Pepper Made From? Black, white, green, and red...
How to grow your own Pepper plants. Five most valuable 'Pipers'
Article about Pipers

🛒 Grow your own Pippali Pepper

#Food_Forest #Shade_Garden #Remedies

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Date:

How long does it take for Tamarind fruit to ripen? A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

How long does it take for Tamarind fruit to ripen?

Tamarind tree (Tamarindus indica) fruit

How long does it take for Tamarind fruit to ripen?

Our Tamarind tree (Tamarindus indica) is full of fruit since Summer, but they are still not fully ready. Can't wait to taste! Do you know how long it takes for Tamarind fruit to ripen?

📚 Learn more from previous posts:
Top 10 fruit you'll ever need for your health benefits: #7 Tamarind
Tamarind Chutney Recipe
How productive is Tamarind
Tamarind's pretty flowers
🛒Grow your own Tamarind Tree

#Food_Forest

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Date:

What is the best fruit for summer drinks and wine? A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

What is the best fruit for summer drinks and wine?

🍸 What is the best fruit for summer drinks and wine?

  • 🍋 Hands, down, Costa Rican Guava, or Cas Guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum) takes the crown! This tropical gem from Central America is known for its intense flavor, making it perfect for refreshing beverages and creative drinks. The tree is incredibly productive - even young ones yield abundant fruit!

  • 🍋 We discovered this fruit last Summer. The tree was so productive (on the second year!), we didn't know what to do with so much fruit! So we made a concentrated drink and have been drinking it since then. It looks like the juice has antibacterial properties so it doesn't need to be canned, it stores for months in refrigerator.

  • 🍋 Plans for 2025 season crop: Homemade Cas Guava wine!

Next summer, we are going to try making wine with Cas Guava. Its bold, tangy flavor is sure to produce a delicious, unique brew!

💯 Why choose Cas Guava?

  • • Packed with vitamin C - four times more than lemons - for a powerful immune boost.
  • • Rich in antioxidants to combat stress and inflammation.
  • • Hardy and low-maintenance, thriving in poor soils and resisting pests.

  • 🍸 Recipe: Cas Guava Juice Concentrate


  • Ingredients:

•  Fresh Cas Guavas
  • •  Sugar (to taste)


  • Instructions:
  • • Wash the guavas, cut in half and place them in a large pot with enough water to cover.
  • • Add sugar to taste and bring to a boil. Simmer for 5-10 min until the fruit softens.
  • • Let sit for a few hours so the fruit softens more.
  • • Strain the liquid through a colander to remove the pulp.
  • • Bottle the concentrate and refrigerate.
  • • To serve, dilute with water to your liking for a flavorful, tangy drink!


  • This concentrate doesn’t need sterilizing/canning and stays fresh for months, thanks to Cas Guava’s natural antibacterial properties.


🍸 Traditional Favorite: Agua de Cas

Cas Guava is the key ingredient in Costa Rica's famous Agua de Cas, a blend of cas juice, water, and sugar. It's a refreshing, slightly acidic drink that's perfect for hot days.

With its vibrant taste, rich nutrients, and endless possibilities, Cas Guava is a must-have for gardeners and culinary adventurers alike!

📚 Learn more:

🛒 Order Cas Guava

#Food_Forest #Recipes #Guava

🔴 Join 👉 TopTropicals

Date:

What is the best fruit for summer drinks and wine? A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

What is the best fruit for summer drinks and wine?

🍸 What is the best fruit for summer drinks and wine?

  • 🍋 Hands, down, Costa Rican Guava, or Cas Guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum) takes the crown! This tropical gem from Central America is known for its intense flavor, making it perfect for refreshing beverages and creative drinks. The tree is incredibly productive - even young ones yield abundant fruit!

  • 🍋 We discovered this fruit last Summer. The tree was so productive (on the second year!), we didn't know what to do with so much fruit! So we made a concentrated drink and have been drinking it since then. It looks like the juice has antibacterial properties so it doesn't need to be canned, it stores for months in refrigerator.

  • 🍋 Plans for 2025 season crop: Homemade Cas Guava wine!

Next summer, we are going to try making wine with Cas Guava. Its bold, tangy flavor is sure to produce a delicious, unique brew!

💯 Why choose Cas Guava?

  • • Packed with vitamin C - four times more than lemons - for a powerful immune boost.
  • • Rich in antioxidants to combat stress and inflammation.
  • • Hardy and low-maintenance, thriving in poor soils and resisting pests.

  • 🍸 Recipe: Cas Guava Juice Concentrate


  • Ingredients:

•  Fresh Cas Guavas
  • •  Sugar (to taste)


  • Instructions:
  • • Wash the guavas, cut in half and place them in a large pot with enough water to cover.
  • • Add sugar to taste and bring to a boil. Simmer for 5-10 min until the fruit softens.
  • • Let sit for a few hours so the fruit softens more.
  • • Strain the liquid through a colander to remove the pulp.
  • • Bottle the concentrate and refrigerate.
  • • To serve, dilute with water to your liking for a flavorful, tangy drink!


  • This concentrate doesn’t need sterilizing/canning and stays fresh for months, thanks to Cas Guava’s natural antibacterial properties.


🍸 Traditional Favorite: Agua de Cas

Cas Guava is the key ingredient in Costa Rica's famous Agua de Cas, a blend of cas juice, water, and sugar. It's a refreshing, slightly acidic drink that's perfect for hot days.

With its vibrant taste, rich nutrients, and endless possibilities, Cas Guava is a must-have for gardeners and culinary adventurers alike!

📚 Learn more:

🛒 Order Cas Guava

#Food_Forest #Recipes #Guava

🔴 Join 👉 TopTropicals