Alternative Community Farmer/WPB.FL

Are you a fan for the ZESTY Jalopeno  ? Are you in love with a CALIENTE ensalada?Are you addicted to PEMIENTO?I am!

Why not start a MEXICAN GARDEN in the ZESTY and MUCHO CALIENTE TIERA land of Florida?

Here are some tips on HOW TO GROW a Mexican garden :

We share a common denomenator  here in Florida, with Mexico: Growing vegetables and herbs that love  TROPICAL CLIMATE !

Here are some tips to start with:

Vegetables:Grow Quelites or Ca-La-Loo,verdolagas or purslane,radishes,cactus corn,pumpkins,tomatillos,lima beans ,hot peppers:Cayenne,serrano,jalapeno,chili de arbol,habanero.

Herbs:

Grow chapote,la ruda,basil,minta,yerb buena,cilantro,culantro.

Always start small .That is the smart way to learn as you grow.

The secret key : Experiment and be creative!

Here are some recipes to taste:

Greens the Mexican style:

10 cups of Quelites greens( Known in Florida as :CA-LA-LOO)

1 Table spoon extra virgin olive oil

1 Serrano pepper , minced

1 Jalapeno minced

1 Glove of garlic , minced

3 Medium tomatoes , peeled and chopped

Garnish : 2 tablespoons crumbled,aged Mexican cheese

wash the QUELITES GREENS and remove tough stems.Chop tender stems.Put the greens in pot,cover,and steam for five minutes.Do not add water.Remove the greens ,cool and set aside.

Saute in extra virgin olive oil the following:Onion,serrano,jalapeno,and garlic.Chop the green QUELITES or Ca-La-Loo add the minced tomatoesto the pot.Mix EVERYTHING above mentioned and cook for five minutes.Remove from pot and garnish with the crumbled Mexican cheese.

Serve warm for  four.Enjoy !

By: Tony

localharvest.org/farms/M20618