Ang pinya queen ang pinakamatamis na uri ng pinya sa Pilipinas. Ito ay may matinik na dahon kung kukumpara sa ibang uri ng pinya. Ang bunga ay tumitimbang ng halos isang kilo. Ang bunga ng queen ay malaki sa gawing puno at paliit sa gawing dulo (tapering).
Matingkad na kulay dilaw ang balat kung hinog na at ang laman ay malutong. Hindi ito gaanong makatas at tamang tama lang sa panlasa ang tamis. Read the rest of this entry »
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Sugar palm is popularly known as kaong (Arenga pinnata). Although considered as a minor forest species, it provides two important food products: the sweet kaong gel and vinegar. These products have great potentials for export. Kaong gel is a very popular ingredient for salad and can be eaten alone as dessert, while kaong vinegar is processed from the sweet sap. It is becoming popular especially in Indang, Cavite where the palms abundantly grow. Kaong vinegar is classified as one of the best because the processing method used by a local manufacturer is similar to that for a brand of worldwide popularity. Read the rest of this entry »
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The tiessa tree is erect and generally no more than 25 ft (8 m) tall, but it may, in favorable situations, reach height of 90 to 100 ft (27-30 m) and the trunk may attain diameter of 3 ft (1 m).
The fruit, extremely variable in form and size, may be nearly round, with or without a pointed apex or curved beak, or may be somewhat oval, ovoid, or spindle-shaped. When unripe the fruit is green-skinned, hard and gummy internally.
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Natural dyes are very important articles of commerce. With the coming of synthetic products, dyes have become cheaper and more available. Despite this, the production of natural dyes should not be neglected.
In the Philippines, there are a large number of plants which yield dyes. These plant species are found growing throughout the country. Some of them are used to dye fabrics, food like jams, sweets and ice cream. They also give color to beverages and are used as food flavoring.
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A small to medium-sized, evergreen tree that reaches 8 to 14 m high. It has a straight cylindrical, low branched trunk that measures 30 to 100 cm in diameter and a dense, irregular or spreading crown. Bark is thick, grayish and exudes a milky sap when injured. Leaves alternate, spirally arranged, stiff and leathery, dark green and shiny above and pale green beneath. Young leaves are pale yellowish green. Fruit is large, covered with short pyramidal spines. Pericarp and pulp around the seeds are the edible portions. Pulp is thick, rich yellow, sweet and aromatic when ripe. Seeds are numerous and vary in size.
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Selecting Plant Specimens/Species
You can buy plants from a nursery, or else get a half-grown bonsai. You can, of course, grow them from seeds or by asexual propagation like layering, marcotting and grafting. Marcotting or layering produces quick results because you can start with a mature tree right away. Generally, outdoor plants are preferred by bonsai masters. These plants are trees, shrubs or even vines. Look for those with small leaves, and are known for longevity and sturdiness (ficus family like balete, Chinese holly, tsaang gubat or fukien tea, most fruit trees except mango, avocado & other large-leaf plants, etc.) Read the rest of this entry »
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