I often get asked… “what’s it like living in the Dominican Republic?” and after a bit of chuckle I reply… “well besides the beautiful warm weather the next best reason would be the fresh organic fruit and vegetables – all year around!”
Does it get any better?
Fresh vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers (green, yellow, orange & red – so many varieties of peppers), lettuce, carrots, onions, cabbage, kale, spinach and the list goes on.
Then we have our fruit category, bananas (four banana trees in my backyard just about ready for harvesting), pineapple, watermelon, cantaloupe, limes (amazing flavour), mango, oranges, avocados, papaya, passion fruit or chinola, apples, cherries and once again the list goes on.
We can always find the local “fruit truck” around the corner from our home in Casa Linda. Our “fruit guy” will cut us a piece of mango or pineapple for sampling. What amazes me the most is the freshness and flavour in everything!
My favourite is Passion fruit or Chinola. Chinola is grown on a vine and tastes very similar to one great big sweet tart both sweet and sour. Also makes a very refreshing drink mixed with water and a bit of honey. Chinola is very healthy and full of vitamins and minerals (vitamins A & C, potassium, phosphate). See article 10 Health benefits of Passion Fruits.
Apples, kale, cabbage, broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, potatoes, carrots and beets are grown in the Valley of Constanza in the highlands of Dominican Republic.
Not only is everything flavourful, healthy and organic but the price is right. Local fruit and vegtables are very inexpensive.
I enjoy making smoothies with greek yogurt, mango, banana, orange juice, kale and a bit of ice. Unfortunately I have not found local fresh raspberries but that is ok because we can buy frozen and they are still very tasty.
My neighbour has a green thumb and I look forward to visiting his backyard to see all his fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce and peppers along with all his beautiful flowers & shrubs.
Did you know? When bananas have ripened and ready for harvest you must cut the whole tree as it will die. The banana tree does not continue growing a new pod or seed for more bananas.
If you are visiting the Dominican Republic you can always find a fruit truck, stand or better yet someone selling fruit on the beach. Try a fresh fruit salad with mango, banana and coconut. Delicious!
To learn more about the exotic fruits of the Dominican Republic and their nutrients see the below link.
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