Cacao: Bean to Bar
Everyone loves chocolate! At ViVerde we are growing cacao and soon we will have our pods. Read a quick run-down on how chocolate is made and try two simple and delicious recipes using cacao.
Earthen Floors for the Guesthouse
The earthen floors in our new guesthouse just received their final coat of “mud paint.” They are now awaiting the application of linseed oil that will harden the surface and make it shine. You may ask, “What is an earthen floor and why did you...
11 Ways to Waste Less Food This Year
With a little planning and inspiration, we could all do a better job of not wasting food. Here are eleven creative ideas you could easily adopt. Making the most of the food we purchase and grow ourselves helps us make a smaller carbon footprint. Plus, it saves money!
Eat Cactus!
At ViVerde, we have a variety of useful cacti, including Opuntia cacti or “nopales” in Spanish. Nopales are a spectacularly healthy type of cacti with a wide range of health benefits. AND they are delicious!
ViVerde 2017 Swale Project
What is a swale? A swale is a trench dug along the land’s contour, meaning all points along the bottom of the swale are at the same elevation. Swales at different levels can be connected by adding overflows, the water filling the higher ones first and then moving...
Ease Winter Gloom with Grapefruit: 3 Recipes
Try grapefruit muffins, hot buttered rum broils or a spicy sweet glaze for entrees.
10 Facts Most People Don’t Know About Nicaragua
Nicaragua has so many happy surprises. Find out more and put visiting here on top of your “must-do” list.
Nine Must-Do Steps Before Breaking Ground on your Sustainable Garden
Here it is folks, the ViVerde checklist for when you are ready to turn your urban yard into a permaculture or sustainable garden paradise. It won’t be easy to follow these steps patiently when you are so excited to get planting, but good planning is everything...
Make Your Own Ginger Treats
Ginger is one of the most delicious and healthiest spices on the planet, thanks to its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Try this simple recipe for CRYSTALLIZED GINGER CANDY; it turns out great for us and we end up with three different products.
I Love ViVerde
I have now returned to ViVerde three times and it’s no surprise that the more time I spend here, the more connected and in love I am with the land, the tropical lifestyle, our project, and its community.