I really like Sapota.  And was happy to find these frozen Sapota (or Sopadilla) at the Asian food market.  They are from Thailand and sold in packages of 5 for $2.50.  They are the next best thing to the fresh ones.

Since they are frozen, you may want to leave them out for a bit to let them soften up.  Then scoop out with spoon and eat the sweet flesh part.  I was surprised at how sweet they were, almost like maple syrup.  The skin is edible too, but I haven’t tried it yet.

In India and Thailand, they are usually made into drinks mixed with sweet condensed milk and ice.  Or just blend with milk and sugar to make a shake.  The fruit itself is so sweet, it’s like a good desert in  fruit. In Thai they are called “lamut” pronounced “lamoot”.  In Singapore, they are referred to as “chiku” fruit.

They grow in hot tropical climate.  Sapota can be found growing wild in the forests of southern Mexico and northern Central America.  Also refer to as both Sapodilla and mamey.  I have had Mexican ice cream (paleta) made with mamey and it is the best ice cream ever.  They usually sell out really fast too.

Here is a better picture of sapota or mamey tree.  Photo from Daleys Fruit Tree Nursery in Australia.  Daleys has many different varieties of mamey or Sapota to chose from as well.  It a looking neat tree, remind me of Papaya tree too.

I used to always buy the canned version of Sapota. But the last few Aroy-D cans I bought tasted horrible. It was bland and did not taste like real fruit, more liked sugared cardboard. So I never bought them again.

This photo I took of the White Sapote from the International Rare Fruit Orchard in San Jose, Ca.  Not related to the Sapota, but name sound similar.  This fruit is also popular in Central America.  They are best eaten when ripen and are said to be very sweet, like sugar.  the inside is also added to ice cream and milk shake as well.  In Mexico, they are believed to have a soporific effect, meaning it makes you sleepy.

Other interesting Sapota fact:  chicle, the basis for chewing gum is made from the milky latex of this tree.  It has a caramel-like, sweet flavor somewhat to maple syrup or brown sugar.  Source from Oregon State University  here.

Ian Maguire’s Sapota picture here.

My beauty product review today comes from Wei East Cosmetics.

They have the “Skincare Discover Collections” where you can sample a few introductory products. I decided to get the simple kit for $9.99 and includes free shipping too.  I also got a face mask and free hand lotion, but I will post about that later.

The package arrived in regular USPS mail within 3-5 days. I also like that it came in a cute little box with very little packaging necessary.

This is what got my attention:

The Story of Rice: Nutrient-laden rice milk has been Chinese women’s
secret to bright, even-toned skin for centuries. The first milk of
freshly cooked brown rice, infused with a secret herbal blend, has
helped generations of mothers and daughters add luster, gain an even,
smooth complexion, erase spots and blotches. Wei East marries the
ancient recipes with advanced western beauty technology to deliver
these luminous benefits to you. Glow with the radiance of Mother
Nature.

I’ve never heard of this beauty secret before. This kit I chose introduces the rice milk.

My First Pick Collection includes:

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This is my “how to guide” to preparing Globe artichokes.  For those that may want to eat them, but just not sure how or where to start.  Just don’t let the spikes and rough leaves (petals) scare you.

Above is my photo gallery tutorial on how to prepare Globe artichoke.  And don’t worry, you won’t choke on anything when eating them.  Unless of course you become distracted and forget to chew and swallow properly.  Enjoy!

Instructions:

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The Japanese method of woodworking is considered to be one of the best ways to build homes.  The method specializes in the methods of post and beam style.  For furniture construction, they are skillfully crafted and emphasizes vertical and horizontal lines.

This Japanese way of building is very different from the modern western construction that we see here in the U.S.  I suppose this method takes more time, but it is one I think should be considered when constructing a new home.

Above are samples of Japanese method of connecting woods.  Photos here from Takumi Company.

The Takumi Company of Seattle, Washington has been in business since 1987.  They offer full design, engineering and construction services using the ancient tradition of Japanese woodworking.

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Linen is the best fabric to wear in the summer.  It’s comfortable and very cooling.  The only down side would be that it wrinkles easily.  Then again, it does iron easily too.

I used to always hesitate purchasing linen clothing because I thought it would be itchy and rough.  My first linen item of clothing was a summer skirt.  It was medium weight and didn’t feel too cooling.  But then I found some light weight navy linen pants that were much more cooler to wear, especially on hot days.

Here is a photo of a simple flax flower and buds that provide us with so much.  From healthy flax seeds to oils and of course, the fabric of summer!

Linen is made from the flax stalks (bast fiber).  The luster of linen comes from the natural wax content.  Linen can be creamy white to light tan as this fiber can be easily dyed.  The color does not fade when washed.  It is best to hang (line) dry them.  Linen, like cotton, can also be boiled without damaging the fiber.

Libeco, a Belgian linen manufactured describes the flax as one of the most ecologically-correct plant.  The seeds provide oil for dyes, paint, cosmetics and floor coverings.  And the by-products of linen production are processed into a pulp used for banknotes or fiberboard.  But most of all, flax is most renowned as the raw material for use as linen fabric.

More info from Fabrics.net:

Highly absorbent and a good conductor of heat, this fabric is cool in garments. However, constant creasing in the same place in sharp folds will tend to break the linen threads. This wear can show up in collars, hems, and any area that is iron creased during the laundering. Linen has poor elasticity and does not spring back readily.

I have noticed one of my linen tops had a small tear at the crease of the fold.  But I was able to mend it with some threads.  But all my other linen items are doing well.

I like this linen pant from Banana Republic.  On sale for $58.  But I don’t like the big cinch front pockets.  I prefer flat pockets instead.  And to save money this summer, I am going to try making my own linen pants and tank tops.  Linen pants would require a medium weight linen.  And a tank top would be light weight or tissue linen in chocolate brown.

I think this will be a fun summer sewing (craft) project for me too.

Another nice summer fashion accessory, 100 % linen tote bag from Lotta Jansdotter.  Retails $68.

Image source:

Banana Republic

Lotta Jansdotter, also nice hand tote here.

FlaxPage, provide information for the grower, for the consumer, and for the researcher.

More info:

Libeco-Lagae, Belgium linen manufacturer.

I always try to avoid going in this shop when I’m in the mall. It’s not because I don’t like it, it’s because the sales lady are so aggressive and that scares me. That’s partially true, it’s really because I don’t want to end up with more new soaps or lotions.

But I did end up shopping here online. It was because of the great price they had on the FitFlops. I also added a purchase of Coconut Lime Verbena shampoo to my order. My favorite scents is the Signature Classics “Country Apple” or “Sun-Ripen Raspberry”. But this time, I thought I try something new and went with their new “Signature Collection“.

I think the label caught my attention.  Pictures of limes and coconut, reminded me of some place tropical and breezy.  And verbena also makes good tea.

In the herbal world, verbena is suppose to have nice lemony scent. And initially the Bath & Body Works scent for this combination was very pleasing. But after I used it to wash my hair, I noticed how strong and powdery it smelled. Not like refreshing citrus, but more floral.  Almost too overpowering and artificial.  So I just used a small amount.

As far as how well it worked, it left my hair very shiny and smooth.   At one time I got some shampoo running into my eyes, and it was painful! I don’t remember washing my hair with anything that stings that much. As my usual shampoo recently has been pure liquid Castile soap with peppermint oil and aloe vera.

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If you live in the New York area or planning a visit there - be sure to stop by The New York Botanical Garden this summer.

They will be having a summer long celebration of growing great food.  The theme this summer is “The Edible Garden“.  Tickets cost for this event is between $20 - $35.

It will be starting this weekend, from June 27 through September 13th.

This is part of the Nancy Bryan Luce Herb Garden.  It must smell nice here.  Photo from NY Botanical Garden. The place covers 250 acres and has 50 gardens and plant collections.  So there’s something to see in every season, from flowers to herb.

The Garden-wide, summer-long celebration features horticulture displays, fun-filled food and gardening festivals, and programs that demonstrate the bounty of edible plants, teach vegetable growing and garden design, and offer demonstrations from celebrity chefs and experts.

Starting on the weekend of June 27 to 28, they will celebrate local food with cooking demonstrations and lectures featuring Martha Stewart, Dan Barber, and Amy Goldman.

For fans of Emeril Lagasse, be sure to visit on September 12 and 13.  Festival highlights “Buy local, cook global”.  There will be lively festival of food, culture, and plants.

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I thought the Kapok tree was a pretty interesting flowering tree until I came across the Flamboyant tree.    Although there is no cotton to cultivate from the blooms (unlike the Kapok tree).  The dried seeds of the Flamboyant flowers are used to make a musical instrument called the maracas.

I love this photo from Brazil, taken by Flávio Cruvinel Brandão via .  The yellow variety is in the background and you can see more of the red Flamboyant tree’s flowering in front.

The tree is also called Peacock Flower, Flame of the Forest, and Royal Poinciana.  The color of the flowers range in vibrant yellow, orange to red.

The Flamboyant tree (scientific name - Delonix regia) is a threaten native tree from Madagascar.  Though vulnerable in the wild, the tree is successfully grown today in many tropical areas as ornamental trees.  They are also commonly found growing in the Caribbean, Argentina and Brazil.

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Buenos Aires, Argentina was this month’s travel highlight from the Smithsonian magazine.  I thought it would be neat to make a note of some positive changes coming from this country.  Especially with all the political and social unrest the country has seen in the past.

Buenos Aires translate to “fair winds” and has become a stylish and affordable place to live to for many foreigners from the U.S.

A nice day at the Plaza de Mayo in Buenos, Argentina.  Photo from National Geographics.

In 1853, Argentina opened it’s door to immigrants mainly from Spain and Italy.  Between 1869 and 1914, the population had grown from 1.8 million to 7.8 million. And by 1914, about 30% of Argentina’s population was foreign-born.

The current wave of foreigners moving in started in 2001 when the nation’s economy collapsed.  With a favorable exchange rate, many people who travel here have decided to stay.  Many young entrepreneurs have found success here as well.  Some have started restaurants serving foreign food as well as an organic food deli.  While others are artist and writers that found their calling in Argentina.

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It is artichokes season here in California.  Almost all of the artichokes sold in the U.S. come from California.  Artichokes are an interesting vegetable, they are really flower buds and are also called “thistle.”

I have just started to love eating them just a few years ago.  I used to think they would be bitter until I had some artichoke hearts (in pasta) and was surprised at how good they taste.

I don’t think they are very popular in the Asian garden or cuisine.  But the Europeans like them.  The French call it artichaut, Italian refer to them as carciofo, and in Spanish it is alcachofa.  The Italians also like to eat them raw, they just break off a layer at a time and dip the into olive oil.  But I have yet to try eating them that way.

Castorville, California is a small town located in Monterey County, holds the self-proclaimed titled of “Artichoke Center of the World”.  Commercial farming of artichokes proves to be successful in this part of coastal California due to the rich and fertile soil of the Salinas Valley.  Combine with the sands of the Monterey Bay which is usually shrouded in fog.

Artichokes thrive in the cooler coastal climates. The artichoke does best in frost-free areas with cool, foggy summers.  They can grow almost anywhere with at least 100 frost free days. Freezing temperatures will kill the buds and hot, dry conditions destroy the tenderness.  But artichokes do like full sun.  I remember driving by this area years ago was so surprise to see farmland being so near the coast.

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