Ecuador Fruit Education

Dear Family and Friends,

On the last post I posted pictures of fruit that was being sold on the roadside just outside of Puyo (the gateway to the Amazon).  A few of my facebook friends posted answers and it turns out they knew more than me.

I decided to educate myself and in the process offer up what I learned to you.  

Picture 1

The fruit on the left is BABACO.  It is similar to a papaya, it is sometimes referred to as Champagne Fruit because of its refreshing, effervescent flesh. Some say it tastes like a cross between a strawberry, papaya and pineapple.   Yum! I have got to buy one and try it. Sounds delicious.

The red fruit on the right is CACAO.  The beans from this fruit is one of the major exports of Ecuador.  The beans are dried, ground, and processed to make chocolate. Ecuador has some of the best quality chocolate on earth.  

Picture 2

This fruit is ACHOTILLO.

Achotillo, also known as Lychee in Asian countries.  This fruit originated in Asia and was introduced to South America by the Dutch.  The flesh of this fruit is translucent, whitish or a very pale pink in color, with a sweet mild acidic taste something like that of a grape.

Picture 3

FLOR de JAMAICA,  in English known as Hibiscus flower.

It is used to make a tea.  The tea is helpful to boost your immune system and may help to prevent cell damage caused by free radicals in the body.  

Picture 4

????????????  (Not Sure!)

Lourdes suggested this might be STEVIA LEAVES, which are grown in the Amazon region.  But in researching Stevia Leaves these do not look the same.  So for now, they are a mystery.  If anyone has an idea, please post in comments below.  

Picture 5

GUABA FRUTA, also known as ICE CREAM BEAN.

This fat bean shaped fruit is actually a fruit and not a legume as most  beans.  Inside are large beans covered in a white cottony texture that has a slight vanilla like taste, hence the name Ice Cream Bean.

The health benefits I found include: Eyes Health, Helps in weight loss, Muscle Health, Maintain Heart Health, Treats dysentery, High Cholesterol Treatment, Balances Blood Sugar, Make Bones strong, Stay Full Longer, Maintain Body Cells Health, Treats rheumatism, Cures Constipation, Treats headaches, Prevents Cancer, Good for Digestion, Prevents Gas or Flatulence, Treats Dysentery, Mood Enhancer, Removes Toxins, Cures Depression.   

Sounds like a wonder drug to me!  

Picture 6

This is an ALOE PLANT.

Aloe is very popular here in Ecuador.  The leaves are stripped of the thick juice and added to other herbs into a tea.  Vendors sell this tea from carts.  They do a good business too.  

It is said that the Ecuadorians drink this tea because it has digestive benefits: reduces the incidence of ulcers and improves digestion.

The thick juice inside the leaf is also known to reduce skin conditions like psoriasis or dermatitis.  I have used the plant juice to rub on a fresh burn.  It removes the pain and speeds the healing.

So this is all I know and don't know.  But after doing this research I think I will buy some Guaba bean fruit at the market and eat the delicious vanilla coating on the beans just to see how it makes me feel.

Okay, school is dismissed.  Have a great day!

Love,

Nancy

Canyon and Waterfalls on the way to the Jungle

 Dear Family and Friends,

We woke up on Friday to a mildly overcast day, however, the temperature was in the 60s.  We decided to drive down to Puyo, the gateway to the Amazon jungle.  The route to Puyo is quite spectacular as we follow the river and see many beautiful water falls.  

I was unanimously elected to jump out of the Puff Puff and photograph her going through natures car wash.  A waterfall spills right on the road and makes a unique experience.

As we approached Puyo the river was now in flat territory.  This is one of the head waters of the mighty Amazon river.

After doing a little shopping and having lunch in Puyo we headed back to Banos.

We stopped at a fruit stand on our way back.  

Quiz time:

Can you name the fruit in these photos?  I can name most of them but not all of them.

Identify the ones you know below.

Picture 1  (two products)

Picture 2

Picture 3

Picture 4

Picture 5

Picture 6

Our trip was wonderful and even though it was cloudy, the temperature was great.

Thanks for joining us on this day trip.

Pray for peace 💗

Love,

Nancy

Don't Believe the Weather Reports for Banos

Dear Family and Friends,

Last week we took a short "get away trip" to Banos, one of our favorite places to visit in Ecuador.  Just before we left on our trip, we checked the weather.com app and learned that the weather was going to be raining and thunderstorms...highs in the 40's and lows in the 30's. 

Our neighbor, Joyce, was joining us on this trip and it was her first visit to Banos. I was inclined to postpone the trip.  Sitting in the hotel and playing cards while it is raining and cold outside was not appealing to me.  Chuck, the optimist, said that the weather station for Banos, which is located in a valley, was on top of the mountain.  

I posted to you guys that we were going to do an experiment to see if we should trust the weather forecast for Banos.  We would go to Banos and report the actual weather.

Our drive up to Banos was nice and sunny.  

One our first full day in Banos the weather outside was promising so we went up the mountain to Casa del Arbol (Tree House).  It is a magical place high above Banos and the weather was perfect, as you can see me swinging under the humming birds under a blue sky with puffy white clouds.

 

This is the tree house that we love to take family and friends to when they visit.  It has two giant swings that you can use to swing out over the valley below if you dare.

Here is cowboy Chuck, riding the swing like a champ.

The weather was perfect "short sleeve" weather.  The flowers were beautiful, and the experience started our vacation off on the right foot.

Conclusion:  From our day one experience, we would say, "Do not let the weather report be your guide when visiting Banos."

I will share some photos of Day 2 tomorrow.  

Love,

Nancy

Banos, Here We Come!!

 

Dear Family and Friends,

We are off this morning, heading to Banos, Ecuador.  Our friend, Joyce, is joining us on this trip.  It is her first time visiting Banos.  

Banos is nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains and a volcano. It is known for its thermal baths that are heated by the volcano.  It is a popular destination and is known for the beautiful scenery and exciting outdoor activities.  

Homework assignment folks:  Check out the weather for Banos, Ecuador for the next 5 or 6 days   https://weather.com/banosecuador

Are we crazy or what??  Joyce knocked on our door and asked if we had checked the weather in Banos.  Of course we hadn't.   She showed us the forecast and Chuck said don't worry, the weather station is on the top of the mountains, Banos will not be that cold.  

Now this trip is going to prove once and for all if weather.com information is accurate or not regarding the city of Banos.  

I am taking you guys along on the trip.  I know it will be rain, but how much?  How cold?  

See you in the next few days with a weather report.  😊

Love,

Nancy

Morning Quiche at our French Bistro

Dear Family and Friends,

About once or twice a month, Chuck and I either walk or take the tram to our city center for brunch.  One of our destinations is a French Bistro, located just off Park Calderon and nestled next to the Cathedral.

I made this photo on our approach from the rear of the Cathedral.

Our bistro is located in the lovely courtyard that was at one time, long ago, the seminary.  The courtyard is the home to many eateries and souvenir shops.

Here is the bistro's calling card, French flag and menu board.

A better view of menu board.

Menu front with the name of the restaurant.

My view from our table looking out at the courtyard.

Since I am going light on carbs these days, I ordered a quiche and latte.  I almost gobbled it up before taking a photo, but I caught myself.  

Chuck ordered breaded and fried camembert cheese and cappuccino.

After eating, I went to the second level of the old seminary and took this photo so you can see what I mean by being tucked next to the Cathedral.

We left out the entrance on the street in front of the Cathedral.

As we excited the heavy wooden doors, we were on the covered walkway.  This is one of the places that you can get your shoes shined.  

And, right across the street is beautiful Park Calderon.  

Thanks for coming along on this morning journey with us.  

Love,

Nancy