Pic Today 4/7/11

THE GIANT PRICKLY GUANABANA

Hard to harvest, heavy to carry,

covered with sharp spines and

worth all the effort . . .

the guanabana is a delicious jungle fruit

much loved in Colombia and Brazil.

These giants sometimes weigh 10-15 pounds each

and require extra handling just to pick up. (Ouch.)

But the inside pulp is a prize worth eating --

a slightly sour taste of strawberry, pineapple and citrus.

Guanabanas (also called soursop and Brazilian pawpaw)

have recently been found to have effective anti-cancer properties.

The National Cancer Institute, Purdue University and

independent laboratories have discovered guanabana pulp & stems

target and kill malignant cells in 12 types of cancer,

including colon, breast, prostate, lung and pancreatic.

A favorite recipe in Colombia

is to melt the pulp of guanabana in hot milk

as a night time elixir for infants.

Sweet dreams!

Pic Today 4/6/11

HEALTHY HIKER'S FOOD

IN THE ANDES

Colombians favor high energy tropical foods

for hiking, especially in high altitudes.

Three favorites (which were always in my pack)

are granadilla, pitahaya and local dark chocolate.

Granadilla (in the family of passion fruit)

have a hard orange shell, easily broken open,

revealing a gelatinous, aromatic center of

transparent slimy pulp with hard black seeds.

The insides are completely edible and delicious,

with a soft sweet perfumed taste, high in vitamins

and used for sleep disorders, depression and energy.

Pitahaya (also known as dragon fruit) are harvested

from large mountain cactus plants, and look especially unfriendly.

The sharp needles are easily removed,

and the waxy yellow exterior protects a soft white flesh

full of sweet juice and dark seeds,

which are used to treat stomach ailments

and a powerful anti-cancer prescription.

The texture and taste are surprisingly pleasant, and refreshing.

Colombian chocolate is very high in cocoa content, barely sweet,

and a perfect accompaniment to these tropical fruits.

This trio of hiker treats is a great source of energy,

anti-oxidants and natural vitamins.

Muy delicioso!

(I only wish they were exported to the States.)

Pic Today 4/5/11

LIFE IN THE JUNGLE

'UP CLOSE'

So much to see in the jungle,

down low, up close, nose to nose.

Tropical fruits gone wild,

for the finding, for the tasting.

Fragrant blossoms to inhale,

spiced trails to smell.

Ripe mangoes thumping the ground

from 100' trees up above. (Watch out!)

Wild papayas too green to pick,

and in no rush to let go.

Spiders standing guard

above white spider orchids.

Giant coca crickets jumping to say hi,

hopping on board for a free ride.

Unimaginable green things growing.

No hiding from all this life thriving.

Pic Today 4/4/11

DENSE JUNGLE

NORTH COAST COLOMBIA

The mysterious, dangerous and beautiful

jungles of Colombia . . .

full of life and surprises.

Lush tropical plants and fruits,

wild sounds and warning signs.

It's best to know where you are,

where to go and where not to go.

(The hills are still full of coca farms.)

Roads are few, and rarely paved.

Unspoiled Colombian beauty!

Pic Today 4/3/11

LOS COLORES DE COLOMBIA

Colombia is a country of intense color . . .

Its cities, its jungles,

Its foods, its flavors,

Its feathers, its beads,

Its weavings and fashions.

Its flowers, its music,

Its buildings and mountains,

And especially its people.

Colombia is color and passion.

"Comparte la pasión."