Sunshine: You know, February 27 was International Polar Bear Day. I
just learned about it and got a brilliant marketing idea. Cherry of the Rio
Grande survived 25F. With wind. Real wind. That means we go north. Let them
taste this magic. I even have a donut recipe with the fruit. It’s a
bomb,
Smokey. We expand. Trust me. Finally you can afford that new watering
timer.
Smokey: Not so fast, genius. Twenty five degrees is not the North
Pole. And polar bears and penguins do not share zip codes.
Sunshine: You always pour cold water on my brilliance. Fine. Where
do we start?
Smokey: Well, first you go talk to Tatiana. She graduated from the
Geography Department. She can explain climate zones. Cherry of the Rio
Grande
can grow in North Florida, Texas, and similar climates. Let’s master
that before we conquer Arctic.
Sunshine: So… Phase One: Geography?
Smokey: Exactly.
Some stories are easier to tell with a little humor. Smokey and Sunshine
were never just mascots. They represent the two forces behind every decision
we make here: bold ideas and careful reality. One dreams big. The other
checks
the climate zone map. Together, they remind us that growing plants is part
science, part optimism, and always personal. If you have ever wondered why
they keep appearing in our newsletters, you can read their full story on the
Smokey and Sunshine page. They have been with us longer than most people
realize.
Freeze Testing of Grumichama and Cherry of Rio Grande
🍒❄️
Eugenia brasiliensis - Grumichama tree flowering and fruiting
When temperatures dropped to 25F, with wind chill near 14F, winter made
it clear which tropical trees were truly resilient. Some plants burned back.
Tender growth collapsed. But our established Eugenia cherries stood
steady. Leaves held. Branches stayed flexible. The canopy remained intact.
Cherry of the Rio Grande (Eugenia aggregata) and Grumichama (Eugenia brasiliensis) are among the most cold-hardy tropical
cherries for Southern gardens. Both are native to Brazil and thrive in USDA
Zones 9b–11, and even protected 9a sites.
Cherry of the Rio Grande produces dark ruby fruit that ripens
almost black, with a rich, full cherry flavor. It flowers early in spring
and
can fruit well into summer. Mature trees can tolerate brief drops into the
low
20s once established. Trees typically grow 8 to 15 feet tall, remain
naturally compact, and often begin fruiting within 2 to 3 years.
Grumichama is an evergreen tree known for both beauty and
productivity. In spring, it covers itself in white starburst flowers that
attract
pollinators. Within about four weeks, glossy purple-black fruit develops.
Established trees tolerate temperatures into the upper 20s and grow well in
the
ground or in 5–10 gallon containers. Mature trees can produce hundreds
of
fruits per season.
Across the Eugenia group, strengths are consistent: early
bearing, compact growth, heat tolerance, light freeze endurance, and low
pest
pressure. They are adaptable to different soils, need modest water once
established, and perform in full sun or partial shade. Birds enjoy the
fruit, but there
is usually plenty to share.
Nutritionally, Eugenia cherries provide Vitamin C, fiber,
antioxidants, and notable Vitamin A that supports eye health. They offer
sweetness
with real dietary value.
In the kitchen, they are simple and rewarding. Cherry of the Rio Grande
makes an easy
compote. Simmer the fruit with a small amount of water until soft, mash
lightly, and spoon over pancakes or warm bread. Grumichama turns into a deep
red
jam with sugar and lime, or can be blended into a bright spoon drizzle over
vanilla ice cream.
Even when not fruiting, both trees remain attractive year-round with
glossy evergreen foliage and clean structure. They fit well into edible
landscapes, small yards, and container gardens.
Winter will return. The difference lies in planting fruit trees that can
handle heat, humidity, and the occasional cold snap. If you are building a
food forest for lasting harvests, cold-hardy tropical cherries like Cherry
of
the Rio Grande and Grumichama deserve a place in your garden.
Ripe Grumichama (Eugenia brasiliensis) fruits developing on the
tree, turning deep red to nearly black when fully mature.
Eugenia aggregata (cv. Calycina), Cherry of the Rio Grande
Not just guacamole - 6 unusual avocado recipes from top chefs
Avocado-inspired dishes arrangement
Not just guacamole - 6 unusual avocado recipes from top chefs
Avocado is rich, creamy, and loaded with healthy fats and fiber. It is also packed with vitamins C, K, B6, E, riboflavin, folate, niacin, and pantothenic acid, plus minerals that support digestion, bone health, heart health, and immune function.
Most people stop at guacamole, smoothies, or avocado toast. But in professional kitchens, avocado is treated as far more than a spread. It becomes a sauce base, a frozen dessert, even a chocolate mousse ingredient.
👉 Here are six unexpected avocado ideas inspired by well-known chefs:
1. Tuna avocado timbale
This plated appetizer looks restaurant-level but is surprisingly simple.
Small-diced fresh tuna is mixed with minced shallots or red onion, fresh coriander, pickled ginger, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. The mixture is pressed into a small ring mold, then topped with diced avocado and garnished with sprouts.
The avocado adds cool creaminess against the bright citrus and savory tuna.
2. Avocado hummus
Blend two creamy favorites - chickpeas and avocado - into one smooth dip.
Combine drained chickpeas, ripe avocados, tahini or peanut butter, garlic, cumin, olive oil, lemon zest and juice, and salt. Process until silky. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of herbs and paprika.
It is lighter than traditional hummus and naturally vibrant green.
3. Stuffed avocado with blue cheese sauce
Avocado can also be the bowl.
Mix Dijon mustard, blue cheese, sour cream, a splash of wine vinegar, salt, and pepper into a thick dressing. Slice the avocado in half, remove the seed, and spoon the sauce into the center.
Eat it straight from the skin for a bold, savory appetizer.
4. Creamy avocado ice bowl
For a quick chilled dessert, cube ripe avocado and mix with cream and a light sweetener. Serve over ice.
It is not quite a smoothie and not quite ice cream - just cold, creamy avocado with clean sweetness.
5. Frozen avocado with condensed milk
Mash ripe avocado with condensed milk and freeze.
After a few hours, it becomes a scoopable, creamy treat with no special equipment required.
6. Green chocolate mousse
Perhaps the most surprising idea: avocado in chocolate mousse.
Puree ripe avocado and blend with melted dark chocolate, cocoa powder, coconut cream, and syrup. Chill until set, then top with whipped cream.
Despite the name, the dessert stays chocolate-brown. The avocado provides structure and silkiness, replacing part of the heavy cream.
💚 Why avocado works in sweet and savory dishes
Avocado is naturally buttery. It thickens sauces without flour, blends smoothly into dips, and creates creamy desserts without dairy overload. It freezes well and holds flavor beautifully.
So next time avocados are in season, think beyond guacamole. Stuff them, blend them, freeze them, or turn them into mousse. Feel like a chef!
This versatile fruit can do far more than sit on toast.
Guavas love full sun — aim for 6–8 hours of direct light.
They’re adaptable to many soils but do best in well-drained, organic-enriched
mixes. Plant them in a spot where you can water
easily; guavas are thirsty trees during fruiting.
Container & Indoor Growing
Don’t have space or live in a cooler climate? Guavas thrive in
large pots. Use well-drained potting mix. LINK TO OUR SOIL Keep them on a
sunny
patio during warm months and bring them indoors when nights dip below
freezing. Compact varieties like Dwarf Hawaiian
Rainbow or Tikal are especially
good for pots.
Winter Care
Mature guavas can handle a light frost (down into the high 20s F), but
young plants need protection. If planted outdoors, cover them with frost
cloth
on cold nights. Container guavas can be wheeled into a garage, greenhouse,
or bright indoor window until the weather warms.
Watering and Fertilizing
Water deeply once or twice a week, more often in hot weather or when
fruit is developing. They don’t like soggy soil, but they won’t
complain about short floods either. Fertilize 3–4 times a year during
the
growing season with a balanced fruit tree fertilizer. Guavas especially love
potassium and phosphorus for strong flowering and heavy crops. We recommend
liquid crop booster Sunshine
C-Cibus and balanced controlled release fertilizer Green
Magic.
Pruning
Prune after fruiting to keep them compact and open up airflow. Remove
crossing or dead branches. In containers, trim back vigorous shoots
regularly
to manage size and encourage more fruiting wood.
Pests and Problems
Guavas are generally tough and pest-resistant. The main thing to watch
for in humid or rainy climates is mealybugs - those cottony white clusters
on
leaves or stems. They're easy to manage with neem oil or a quick spray of
horticultural soap.
Fruit time
Guavas fruit young - often within a year or two.
Pollination
Guavas are self-pollinating, so you'll get fruit even with a single
tree. Planting more than one tree, however, often boosts harvests and gives
you a
longer fruiting season.
If you've ever wanted instant gratification from a fruit tree, guava is
it.
🍴
Guava Recipes
With all that fruit, the next question is always: "What do I do with
it?" Here are our favorites:
Cas Guava: Make Agua de Cas
Boil halved Cas Guava fruits with sugar, simmer, strain, and bottle.
Dilute with water when serving. The concentrate keeps for months in the
fridge.
Check out the recipe.
Hawaiian Gold: Make Drinks
Perfect for Mojitos or Margaritas. Sweet, tangy juice pairs beautifully
with lime and mint. Learn more
Araca Pera: Guava Wine
Famous in Brazil, where the fruit is turned into a vibrant rosу wine.
Locals say it’s the taste of summer in a glass — and yes, you
can make it at home too. Learn more...
Quick snack: Guava Grilled Cheese
Spread guava paste or fresh mashed fruit with cheese, grill until
golden. Sweet and savory heaven. Learn more...
Simple Guava Juice
Blend ripe guavas with water, ice, and a little sugar if you like. Instant
refreshment.
✅Ready to Grow? Whether you want fresh juice, sweet fruit,
or even your own guava wine, we’ve got the best varieties in stock
right now. Your future self, sipping guava juice on a hot summer afternoon,
will
thank you.
Our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for visiting our Plant Festival March into Spring - on Saturday. It was delightful to
see so many of you exploring the array of plants, finding ones that spoke to
you, and ultimately making purchases that brought joy and life into your homes
and gardens. The early birds received amazing Artistic Gift Bags by Onika
Amell.
Your support means the world to us! It's moments like these that remind us
of the beauty and wonder that nature brings into our lives...
Guava Tree Plant Care
