Mexico Living: Organic Gardens

Posted on September 24, 2015 by Bea Lozano

If you are living on Mexico then you know the organic food movement has been going strong for quite a few years, there is a strong desire in people to go back to basics when it comes to their nourishment. If you visit the local supermarkets, there is a lack of organic produce which is pushing locals living in Mexico to look for new ways to produce their own organic food.

Organic farming integrates cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. Synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers are not allowed, although certain organically approved pesticides may be used under limited conditions. In general, organic foods are also not processed using irradiation, industrial solvents, or chemical food additives.

photo Depositphotos_27804177_original 1_zpsakcwa854.jpg

Moce Yax Cuxtal is a local NGO that has been working in the Riviera for many years, protecting Native Trees, creating beautiful organic gardens for businesses and individuals and educating people to produce their own food at home. The goal of Moce Yax Cuxtal is to promote the creation of urban gardens where families can get their fruits and vegetables, thus contributing to the decrease in spending and environmental impact.

Guadalupe de la Rosa, president of Moce Yax Cuxtal and workshop facilitator, is offering an aromatic herbs workshop, which will allow you to grow and reproduce herbs like rosemary, basil, mint, cilantro and lemongrass. The workshop will also include tips on organic pest control, drying and conserving your herbs and so much more.

The workshop will be taught on Saturdays in September from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at their garden, located on 35th Avenue between 28th and 30th in Gonzalo Guerrero. These and other courses are offered year-round, so feel free to contact the Moce Yax Cuxtal members and ask for more information.

Moce Yax Cuxtal
(984) 115 4490 Lupita
(984) 804 7088 Laura

Or visit their facebook page /grupomoce to keep posted on their latest courses and events.

If you care for the planet we are sure you would also love Holistika, a sustainable development in the Mayan Riviera. Holistika is located in the beautiful town of Tulum, a few blocks away from the beach and surrounded by mangrove and the jungle.

photo 4494-8c7826b759600e4004657b19b53771ab_zpssi0fbcul.jpg

Now if you have any question of this or any of the TOP MEXICO REAL ESTATE properties we have listed in Playa Del Carmen, The Riviera Maya or anywhere throughout Mexico, please feel free to contact any of our TOP MEXICO EXPERT SALES TEAM and we will be glad to help you find your very own piece of paradise.

And remember, here at TOP MEXICO REAL ESTATE…

We make it happen!

Chaya: The Mayan Superfood

Posted on June 17, 2015 by Bea Lozano

Finding local organic vegetables in the Riviera Maya can be difficult, due to the lack of soil in the Riviera; most of the fruits and vegetables have to be brought from other places. Even healthy food like spinach can be contaminated with chemical or organic elements, and little is known about the effects that those chemicals can cause in our body, soil and water.

With proper planning and a compost bin, almost anybody can have an organic vegetable patch in the Riviera Maya. If you lack the space and the motivation to do so, maybe planting a traditional Chaya Plant is a great alternative to growing a whole garden. This plant has three times more nutrients than spinach and it is easy to find and grow everywhere in the Yucatan Peninsula.

photo Chaya 1_zpsuaizrjum.jpg

Chaya: Characteristics and Nutrition Facts

The Chaya Plant, also known as Tree Spinach is a bush that can reach up to 10 feet in height. It has big green leaves and a fragile stem that can produce a sticky white liquid when it breaks. For centuries, people in the Yucatan Peninsula have been consuming this plant, as it is rich in nutrients, flavorful and easy to grow.

Nutritionists claim that the Chaya provides enormous benefits to the human body, it improves blood circulation, regulates blood sugar and blood pressure. It also aids digestion as it has a good amount of fiber. This nutrition powerhouse has other nutrients that are highly beneficial to our body as well.

The best part about Chaya is that because it is indigenous plant it is really easy to grow in the Riviera Maya and Yucatan Peninsula. If you find a Chaya plant, take a stem and break it in to foot long pieces, stick them in the soil and voila; your tree spinach will grow at an amazing rate and will be producing nutrition packed leaves in no time.

photo Chaya_zpsm7wlnuw4.jpg

Chaya: Benefits of Consuming the Mayan Spinach

The Chaya is a natural source of vitamin A, vitamin B, phosphorus, calcium, iron, protein and minerals. It also provides a boost of energy, and some people claim that it even has an anti-stress effect.

Some of the benefits of consuming Chaya are: improved blood circulation, a better digestion, and it is aids with cases of varicose veins and hemorrhoids. It also helps to lower cholesterol, reduce weight gain and to disinfect the lungs preventing coughs.

Eating Chaya can increase the calcium in bones, as the Chaya has more natural calcium than the traditional spinach. Chaya also has a massive amount of iron, which prevents anemia, improve memory and brain function. Some people believe it can help against arthritis and diabetes.

photo Chaya 4_zpsuhqjpjff.jpg

Because this regional plant is easy to grow and maintain it is a great starter plant for your new home in Mexico. Providing many nutritional and healing benefits Chaya really is a Mayan superfood.

Growing Organic Herbs in the Riviera Maya

Posted on April 15, 2015 by Bea Lozano

Living in Mexico offers many benefits. One of the benefit is the beautiful environment that is perfect for grow an organic herb garden right in your own home. Adding fresh herbs to your meals is an easy and effective way to improve the taste of your food and its nutritional value without adding more calories. With so many different flavors, it is easy to use herbs to bring your favorite recipes to a new level. However, you might find that local shops carry a limited variety of fresh or dried herbs.

If you love fresh organic herbs, it is easy to grow them in the Riviera Maya. Even in a limited space such a terrace or a windowsill. Something to keep in mind is that soil is very scarce all over the Yucatan Peninsula. If you start digging a garden in your yard you will probably find yourself hitting a huge limestone slab.

Your organic garden will have to be planted in pots, a flower bed or using the traditional raised bed methods used by the Mayans: the Canché. Here is a list of herbs that can be grown in the Riviera Maya.

Growing Organic Herbs in the Riviera Maya: Basil (Albahaca)

Basil, commonly referred to as the queen of herbs is an anti-inflammatory thanks to its components such as oils, citrus and natural compounds. It is commonly used in pastas, soups, or teas. It would also make a great edition to many of your favorite dishes.

Basil should be planted in moist soil, and keep damp without waterlogging the plant. Keep it in an area with full sun or partial sun.

Growing Organic Herbs in the Riviera Maya: Oregano (Oregano)

Traditionally, it is used to flavor pizzas and pastas, but oregano can also be combined with stewed potatoes, grilled meats or vegetables.

The Riviera Maya climate is very suitable for this plant, which only needs sunlight to develop. There is also a local version of Oregano, used only for medicinal purposes (Lantana_camara) to cure digestive ailments.

photo Organic Oregano_zpsblq6rihg.jpg

Growing Organic Herbs in the Riviera Maya: Cilantro (Cilantro)

Cilantro is a Mexican food staple! Adding a little cilantro to your traditional Mexican meals is an effective way to improve your foods flavor. You can add cilantro to any sauce recipe you want to prepare. It is also great in vinaigrettes and dressings, or simply add a sprig of cilantro to add a touch of flavor to a dish.

Cilantro needs to be planted indoors, as it needs slightly cooler temperatures. Make sure the plant gets plenty of light, maybe place it by a window. The plant needs regular watering’s but avoid over-irrigation as it can cause the roots rot and die.

Growing Organic Herbs in the Riviera Maya: Ginger (Jengibre)

Ginger is known as a powerful digestive and anti-microbial grass that also helps maintain a correct and balanced metabolism. It is possible to grow ginger in the Riviera Maya, both in the ground or in a plant pot.

To keep a healthy ginger plant, you will need to keep the soil moist and place in an area with plenty of light. To use your ginger, you need to let your plant grow for about a year and then dig and cut the roots.

Growing Organic Herbs in the Riviera Maya: Mint (Menta/Yerbabuena)

The properties of mint go beyond simply making your own delicious mojitos or enhancing the flavor of your food. Mint is used as an aid for digestion, a remedy for colic and other symptoms associated with poor digestion. Often taken for the same plant, there are actually two different species from the same family: the only difference is that mint has a green stem and that yerbabuena has a red stem.

To have plenty of fresh yerbabuena, your plant needs to be in an area with plenty of indirect light and watered daily but avoid waterlogging as it will kill your plant.

photo Organic Mojito_zpsgt8ksw8u.jpg

Growing Organic Herbs in the Riviera Maya: Rosemary (Romero)

Rosemary is not only delicious, but it also has antioxidant properties that help balance the body’s defenses. Rosemary is an easy plant to grow, as it will take almost any kind of soil and it’s rarely attacked by insects or diseases.

Rosemary requires plenty of sun with little exposure to wind. Make sure to keep the soil with minimum moisture without getting dry, the key for watering your rosemary is moderation.

Growing organic herbs in your home is easy and convenient. If you want to learn more about growing herbs and vegetables or purchasing organic herbs, there is a local NGO offering workshops in the Riviera Maya area.

photo Organic Garden_zpsmyzvvmkh.jpg

Top Mexico Real Estate is an American owned local company. We have helped many foreigners become homeowners in Mexico in a safe legal manner. Feel free to browse our beautiful properties in the most popular areas of Mexico.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We Make it Happen!