My tropical vegetable patch

I've decided to try growing some organic vegetables and herbs amongst all the tropical flowers in my backyard.

I took a lot of compost from my compost pile and mixed in a sack of potting soil. I made two mounds and then planted a tropical variety of green beans and corn. Finally, I put lots of mulch on top of the soil to keep it from drying out with all of the hot sun we get at this time of the year. (Click on photos to enlarge.)

The green beans I planted are called "Yard long bean" and are the local variety we find in stores here in French Guiana and in Surinam. These beans grow fast and easily and taste just like normal green beans.

They're not kidding when they call them "yard long" beans.

Look! They take up half the kitchen table!

I've just planted some cherry tomatoes too. I'll see how they turn out. Although I've had a few problems with insects, mostly stink bugs, I'm very proud to eat my own organic homegrown vegetables. It's actually not that hard at all and very rewarding.

Enjoying the pitaya

Thanks to my new life here in French Guiana, I've had the unique opportunity to open my palate and experience tropical fruit that I'd never heard of before back in France. After the ramboutan, the pitaya-- also called the dragon fruit-- is definitely one of my favorites. (Click on photos to enlarge.)

The pitaya actually grows on a cactus like plant which blooms at night. Unfortunately, this fruit doesn't travel very well so you might be disappointed if you buy one in an Asian supermarket somewhere in Europe or the United States.

Here's a closer look at one we bought at the market today and that is produced locally. Thanks, Jack, for showing off the merchandise!

We can buy two varieties of pitaya here, red or white. We find the red fruit somewhat sweeter and more pleasing than the white variety although some people say just the opposite. At any rate, the two varieties do not have the same flavor.

Eating a pitaya is really simple. Store it in the refrigerator so it will have a refreshing chilled taste. Then cut it in half and eat it like a kiwi.

This one is full of sweet juice...

The pitaya is definitely a refreshing moment in the heat of the Guianese dry season!